Translation guide
The age at which a person is legally recognized as an adult. In Japan, this was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the official age at which one gains adult rights and responsibilities.
Referring to the cultural celebration of reaching adulthood, typically at age 20 (traditionally) or 18 (new law).
Expressing the action or state of becoming an adult.
The verb 'to become an adult' or 'to reach adulthood'.
彼は来年成人します。
He will become an adult next year.
A more general phrase meaning 'to become an adult', used in everyday speech.
As of April 1, 2022, the legal age of adulthood in Japan is 18. However, certain activities like drinking, smoking, and gambling still require age 20. The Coming of Age ceremony (成人式) is still primarily for 20-year-olds in most municipalities, though some now include 18-year-olds.
The standard term for 'age of adulthood' in legal and formal contexts.
日本の成人年齢は2022年に20歳から18歳に引き下げられました。
Japan's age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022.
A less common variant of 成人年齢, used in some legal documents.
成年年齢の引き下げに関する法律が成立した。
A law regarding the lowering of the age of adulthood was passed.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'the age at which one becomes an adult'. Natural in conversation.
成人になる年齢は国によって違います。
The age of adulthood differs by country.
The Coming of Age ceremony held annually for those who have turned 20 (traditionally) or 18 (under new law).
成人式に着物を着て参加しました。
I wore a kimono to the Coming of Age ceremony.
Coming of Age Day, a national holiday in January when ceremonies are held.
成人の日は1月の第2月曜日です。
Coming of Age Day is the second Monday of January.
子供が大人になるまであっという間ですね。
It goes by so fast until children become adults.