Translation guide
The English word "juvenile" can refer to young people, immature behavior, or things related to young people. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a young person, especially in legal or formal contexts.
Typically refers to a boy or young male, often used in legal contexts (juvenile delinquency, etc.). Can be used generally for young people but leans male.
その少年は万引きで捕まった。
The juvenile was caught shoplifting.
Legal term for a minor, someone under the age of majority (20 in Japan). Used in formal and legal contexts.
未成年の飲酒は法律で禁止されている。
Drinking by juveniles is prohibited by law.
General term for young people, youth. Broader and less formal than 少年 or 未成年.
最近の若者は政治に関心がないと言われる。
It's said that juveniles today are not interested in politics.
Refers to adolescents and young adults, often used in contexts of education, welfare, or crime prevention.
青少年の健全育成が重要だ。
The healthy development of juveniles is important.
Describing behavior or attitudes that are immature, silly, or not appropriate for an adult.
Means childish, immature, often with a negative connotation. Used for behavior, ideas, etc.
彼の冗談は幼稚すぎる。
His jokes are too juvenile.
Childish, childlike. Can be negative or neutral depending on context. Common in everyday speech.
Immature, unripe, inexperienced. Often used for skills or emotional maturity.
彼の考え方はまだ未熟だ。
His way of thinking is still juvenile.
Literally 'smells green', meaning inexperienced, naive, juvenile. Slightly literary or old-fashioned.
Describing things intended for or associated with young people, such as books, crime, or fashion.
For boys/young males. Used for media, products, etc.
これは少年向けの漫画だ。
This is a juvenile comic book.
For adolescents/young adults. Broader age range.
青少年向けの小説を書いている。
I write juvenile novels.
Refers to children (elementary school age). Used in compounds like 児童文学 (juvenile literature).
Referring to a young animal, especially in biology or zoology.
Technical term for a juvenile animal, used in biology.
このカエルの幼体は水中で生活する。
The juvenile of this frog lives in water.
General word for young animal, often used as a suffix (e.g., 子犬 puppy).
あの鳥の子はまだ飛べない。
That bird's juvenile can't fly yet.
When referring to a young person in casual conversation, simply using 若者 or 若い人 is more natural than 少年 or 未成年, which sound formal or legal. For example, 'He's just a juvenile' is better translated as 彼はまだ若いだけだ rather than 彼はただの少年だ.
Both mean childish, but 幼稚 is more negative and formal, often used for ideas or systems. 子供っぽい is more about behavior and can be used affectionately or neutrally. 幼稚 is also used in 幼稚園 (kindergarten).
少年犯罪は深刻な問題だ。
Juvenile crime is a serious problem.
そんな幼稚なことやめなよ！
Stop being so juvenile!
そんなことで怒るなんて子供っぽいね。
Getting angry over something like that is juvenile.
彼の理想論は青臭い。
His idealism is juvenile.
I read classics of juvenile literature.