noun
Affectionate or familiar term for a young boy, often used by parents or adults addressing a child. Can also refer to one's own son.
うちの坊やは今年で5歳になります。
Our little boy will be five this year.
おばあさんは近所の坊やたちに優
The old lady spoke kindly to the neighborhood boys.
noun
mere boy; stripling; greenhorn
Derogatory or dismissive term for a young, inexperienced male. Implies immaturity or lack of skill.
そんな坊やにこの仕事は任せられない。
I can't entrust this job to a mere boy like that.
Derived from 坊 (ぼう, 'boy' or 'monk's apprentice') with the diminutive suffix や, creating an affectionate term for a young boy.