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As far as I know, '[boku](https://jisho.org/search/boku)' is a male pronoun in
Japanese, and is usually used by young boys. But, in the series _Darling in
the Franxx_ , the female lead character, Zero Two, consistently uses 'boku' to
refer to herself.

Why does she do so? Is there an in-universe justification for this?


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japanese-language darling-in-the-franxx
Why does Zero Two use 'boku' when referring to herself?


According to the [Heroes Wiki](https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Zero_Two) page on
Zero Two,

> Being born as artificial human hybrid ... She refers herself as "Boku"
> instead of "Watashi" or "Atashi". She uses it because she mimicks how Hiro
> refers himself.

This would make sense because Zero Two did not receive much care as a child,
as she was just continuously experimented on, which would make Hiro one of her
only sources of any knowledge/information (other than what she was
_**presumably** taught by the people around her as a child_).


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I don't know if it has to do with the translation "boku no" or "僕の" going to
mean "my" but not "myself". It might have to do with that.


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Daniel has the best answer for this, but while boku is mainly used by males,
women do use it as well. Some examples from "real life" in these Vtubers:

Nekomata Okayu <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaTdHTWBGv3MKj3KVqJVCw>

Kanata Amane <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlDXzGoo7d44bwdNObFacg>


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Some Japanese women do use "Boku" which is masculine. Some prefer "Atashi"
which is feminine. This is often a reflection of their personality (ex: one
who may deviate from strict social norms). My understanding of this character,
as someone who has never seen the show, is that she is mischievous, playful,
and outspoken. These traits themselves can be seen as masculine in some
cultures.


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