noun
young nobleman; scion of a noble family
Refers to a young man of noble birth, often with connotations of refinement and high social standing. Used in historical or literary contexts.
彼は由緒ある貴公子として育てられた。
He was raised as a young nobleman of distinguished lineage.
noun
princely young man; man with an aristocratic air
Describes a young man who embodies princely elegance or an aristocratic demeanor, not necessarily of actual noble birth. Often used figuratively.
彼の立ち居振る舞いはまるで貴公子のようだ。
His bearing is just like that of a princely young man.
王子 means 'prince' in a royal sense, whereas 貴公子 can be used more broadly for any young man of noble or refined appearance, not necessarily royalty.
Compound of 貴 (ki, 'noble') and 公子 (kōshi, 'young lord' or 'son of a noble'). The term has been used historically to refer to young men of high birth.