A Buddhist priest or monk (used familiarly or respectfully).
お寺に行くと、優しい坊さんが迎えてくれた。
When I went to the temple, a kind monk welcomed me.
法事の準備で坊さんを呼んだ。
We called a priest to prepare for the memorial service.
坊さんのお話は静かで心に残った。
The monk's talk was calm and memorable.
子どもは坊さんの袈裟に興味津々だった。
The child was fascinated by the monk's kasaya (robe).
A colloquial term for a boy; used affectionately (somewhat old-fashioned in parts).
あの坊さんは元気がよくていつも走り回っている。
That boy is energetic and always running around.
昔は『坊さん』と言えば若い男性を指すこともあった。
In the past, 'bōsan' could also refer to a young man.
近所の坊さんたちが夜遅くまで遊んでいた。
The neighborhood boys were playing until late at night.