Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

shounen

Noun
/ˈʃoʊ.nən/
Definition
A genre of manga and anime targeted primarily at a young male audience, typically featuring action, adventure, and camaraderie.
Examples
  • Popular shounen series include ‘Naruto’ and ‘Dragon Ball.’
  • Many shounen protagonists embark on quests to prove their strength and make lasting bonds.
  • Shounen stories often feature epic battles and character growth.
Meaning
The term ‘shounen’ translates to ‘boy’ in Japanese, and it represents content that appeals to boys, often involving themes of friendship, perseverance, and heroism.
Synonyms
  • Anime for boys
  • Manga for boys
  • Youth-oriented manga