Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'young person' depends heavily on context, age range, and formality. The most common and neutral term is 若者 (wakamono), but alternatives like 青年 (seinen) for young men, 若い人 (wakai hito) for a softer expression, and 少年 (shōnen) / 少女 (shōjo) for children and teens are also used. In formal or legal contexts, 未成年 (miseinen) means 'minor'. For very casual or slang usage, terms like 若造 (wakazō) or ガキ (gaki) may appear but carry negative connotations.
Neutral, everyday reference to a young person, often in contrast to older generations.
The most common and neutral word for 'young person' or 'youth'. Can be used for both genders and typically refers to people from their teens to early 30s.
最近の若者はスマホばかり見ている。
Young people these days are always looking at their smartphones.
若者の間でそのアプリが流行っている。
That app is popular among young people.
Literally 'young person', slightly softer and more descriptive than 若者. Often used when speaking politely or when the age gap is not extreme.
あの若い人は誰ですか。
Who is that young person?
Often translated as 'young man' or 'youth', but can be gender-neutral in formal contexts. Typically refers to someone in their late teens to 20s. Slightly literary or formal.
彼は前途有望な青年だ。
He is a promising young man.
A somewhat poetic or old-fashioned term for a young person, often used in songs or literature.
若人よ、大志を抱け。
Young people, have great ambitions.
Specifically referring to a child or adolescent, often with gender distinction.
Refers to a boy, typically from elementary school age to mid-teens. Used in legal contexts (e.g., 少年犯罪 juvenile crime) and everyday speech.
その少年は迷子になっていた。
The boy had gotten lost.
Refers to a girl, typically from elementary school age to mid-teens. Common in media and everyday language.
General word for 'child', can be used for any young person up to around 12 years old. Not specific to 'young person' but often used when age is the focus.
Used in official, legal, or formal contexts to indicate someone under the age of majority (20 in Japan).
Means 'minor' (under 20 years old). Used in legal documents, news, and formal settings. Can be used for both genders.
未成年の飲酒は法律で禁止されている。
Drinking by minors is prohibited by law.
More formal version of 未成年, explicitly meaning 'minor person'. Often used in legal contexts.
Very informal, sometimes rude ways to refer to a young person, often used among close friends or in rough speech.
A derogatory or dismissive term for a young person, implying inexperience or immaturity. Often used by older people.
Can be offensive; avoid in polite conversation.
あの若造にはまだ任せられない。
I can't entrust that to that young punk yet.
Very informal and often derogatory term for a kid or brat. Can be used affectionately among friends but is generally rude.
Strongly derogatory; use only in very casual, familiar settings.
若者 (wakamono) is a noun meaning 'young person' and is the most common term. 若い人 (wakai hito) is a phrase meaning 'young person' but is slightly more polite and descriptive. Use 若者 in general statements, and 若い人 when referring to a specific person politely or when you want to soften the statement.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to use age-specific terms like 高校生 (high school student) or 20代 (in their 20s) rather than a generic 'young person'. For example, instead of 'young people like that music', you might say 若い子 (wakai ko) or specify the age group.
The girl was picking flowers.
That child is very polite.
未成年者の契約には親の同意が必要です。
Parental consent is required for contracts by minors.
What a noisy brat.