私と僕？

[Tomii515]

Hi. Umm, right now I use "私". I thought "僕" was used only by older males? But I hear girls saying it, and a lot in songs by Japanese girls. Also, on a show I watch, there is a boy 14, a year older than me, and he said something in Japanese, and instead of using "私", he used "僕". So, is it okay if I use 僕"? Or should i use "私"? I don't know which to use!

 

[doinkies]

私 is the all-purpose neutral word for "I/me" that can be used by anyone of any gender.

僕 is used by younger boys, and often times teenage girls who act tomboyish will use it as well. As for its usage in songs sung by female singers, often it is used because of one of these factors:
1. 僕 fits the melody of the song better
2. the song may be sung from a male perspective
3. It's a bit more...direct than 私.

I think it's fine to use 僕 if you want.

 

[Damicci]

僕 also seems to have some politer tense. At least my friend says i should say boku when i meet Rieko's parents.

 

[Tomii515]

okayyy...ty!

 

[Mirai Naza-kun]

Personally, I use 僕(boku). A few weeks ago, I used 俺(ore), but then I thought that I should be more polite.
I say, use 僕(boku). 私(watashi/watakushi/washi) is usually used by preists, or men who are very polite(or, atleast they do in anime).

For 'you'? I use 君(kimi), and very rarely, 貴方(anata), and if I'm mad, or talking to my brother, I use お前(omae). If I'm REALLY ticked(like, "I'm about to beat the **** outta you!!"), I'll use 貴様(kisama).