1.
youngster, brat, kid
A young boy or man, often used dismissively or with rough affection. Carries a condescending or contemptuous nuance when used by adults toward younger people.
この小僧、生意気だな。
This brat is cheeky.
まだまだ青い小僧だ。
He's still a green youngster.
昔のやくざ映画では、親分が若い手下を「小僧」と呼ぶ場面がよくある。
In old yakuza movies, there are often scenes where the boss calls young subordinates 'kozou.'
2.
young monk, temple boy; apprentice
A young boy training at a Buddhist temple, or more broadly, a young apprentice in a trade. The original meaning of the word.
寺の小僧が掃除をしている。
The young temple monk is cleaning.
丁稚小僧は朝から晩まで働いた。
The apprentice boy worked from morning to night.
昔話には寺の小僧が主人公の話が多い。
Many folk tales feature a young temple monk as the main character.
ETYMOLOGY:
小 (small) + 僧 (monk). Originally referred to a young Buddhist monk or temple acolyte. The meaning broadened to include any young boy, particularly one viewed with condescension.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is rough and condescending. It is typically used by older men toward younger men or boys, often in a scolding or dismissive context. It can also carry a touch of rough affection in some contexts. Sense 2 appears in historical and literary contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 生意気な小僧: a cheeky brat
- 丁稚小僧: an apprentice boy
- 寺の小僧: a temple boy