Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'teenager' is most commonly expressed with 十代 (juudai), but there are several other terms depending on context, age range, and formality. This guide covers the most useful expressions for English-speaking learners.
Referring to someone in their teens (13–19) in a neutral or general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'teenager'. It literally means 'the tens generation' and can refer to both the age range and the people in it. Often used with の (no) to modify nouns.
十代の若者はよくスマホを使う。
Teenagers often use smartphones.
彼女はまだ十代だ。
She is still a teenager.
A loanword from English, commonly used in casual conversation and media. It's well understood but slightly less formal than 十代.
ティーンエイジャー向けの雑誌
a magazine for teenagers
A more formal term often used in official contexts, laws, or educational settings. It encompasses youth broadly, including teenagers and sometimes young adults.
青少年の犯罪が増えている。
Juvenile crime is increasing.
Distinguishing between younger and older teens, or referring to a specific age.
Use this pattern to specify a teenager's exact age. Replace 〜 with the age number. 若者 means 'young person'.
15歳の若者はよくゲームをする。
Fifteen-year-olds often play games.
Refers to junior high school students, typically aged 12–15. Useful when the context is school-related.
中学生は制服を着ている。
Junior high school students wear uniforms.
Informal ways to refer to teenagers, often used among young people or in pop culture.
Shortened form of ティーンエイジャー, used in casual speech or marketing. Can also appear in compounds like ティーン向け (for teens).
あの店はティーンに人気だ。
That shop is popular with teens.
Means 'young person' and can include teenagers, but is broader (often up to early 30s). Use with caution if you specifically mean 13–19.
十代 is the most neutral and widely used term for 'teenager'. ティーンエイジャー is a casual loanword, common in media and conversation. 青少年 is formal and often used in legal or educational contexts. For everyday speech, 十代 or ティーンエイジャー are best.
十代の頃はよく音楽を聴いていた。
When I was a teenager, I used to listen to music a lot.
ティーンエイジャーは新しいトレンドに敏感だ。
Teenagers are sensitive to new trends.
青少年の健全育成が重要だ。
The healthy development of youth is important.
In Japanese, ages are simply stated with 歳 (sai). There is no special word for 'teen' as in English. Do not try to translate 'teen' directly; use 十代 or the specific age pattern instead.
彼は17歳です。
He is 17 years old.
彼女は十代です。
She is a teenager.
十代の若者はよく夜更かしをする。
Teenagers often stay up late.
十代の娘がいます。
I have a teenage daughter.
The healthy development of youth is important.
In Japanese, ages are simply stated with 歳 (sai). There is no special word for 'teen' as in English. Do not try to translate 'teen' directly; use 十代 or the specific age pattern instead.
彼は17歳です。
He is 17 years old.
Refers to high school students, typically aged 15–18. Very common in everyday conversation.
高校生になるとアルバイトができる。
Once you become a high school student, you can work part-time.
最近の若者は礼儀を知らない。
Young people these days don't know manners.