1.
brat; kid; urchin
A rough, somewhat derogatory term for a child, often implying they are annoying, mischievous, or immature.
うるさいガキだ。
What a noisy brat.
ガキ comes from 餓鬼, originally a Buddhist term for hungry ghosts, which came to refer to children (perhaps from their constant hunger). Usually written in katakana in modern usage.
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This is rude/informal language. Use 子供 or お子さん in polite contexts.
Usage
- Often used disparagingly to criticize a child's behavior
- Can be used affectionately in some contexts, especially for one's own past
- ガキの頃 (when I was a kid) is a common nostalgic expression
Related words
- 糞ガキ: little brat (even more rude)
- ガキんちょ: kid (slightly softer)