Translation guide
The period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically associated with the teenage years. In Japanese, the most common term is 思春期 (shishunki), which emphasizes the psychological and physical changes of puberty. Other terms like 青年期 (seinenki) refer to later adolescence or young adulthood. This guide helps you choose the right word based on context.
Referring to the period of life roughly from ages 13 to 19, focusing on development and transition.
The most common and natural term for adolescence, especially emphasizing the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Used in medical, psychological, and everyday contexts.
Adolescence is a time when the mind and body undergo significant changes.
He's right in the middle of adolescence.
Refers to later adolescence or young adulthood, roughly from late teens to early twenties. More formal and often used in developmental psychology.
Adolescence is an important period for establishing one's identity.
Literally 'teens' (ages 10-19). Used to refer to the teenage years in a more numerical sense, often in discussions about age groups.
Teenagers face various problems.
Referring to a person who is in adolescence.
A natural way to say 'adolescent' or 'teenager' when emphasizing the developmental stage.
Adolescents often clash with their parents.
Refers to a youth or young adult, typically male, in later adolescence or early adulthood. Can sound slightly literary or formal.
Describing something related to adolescence, such as behavior, problems, or development.
The standard way to form the adjective 'adolescent'. Attach の to 思春期 to modify a noun.
Used for later adolescence or young adulthood, often in academic or formal contexts.
adolescent developmental tasks
思春期 (shishunki) typically covers ages 12–18 and focuses on puberty and emotional turmoil. 青年期 (seinenki) spans late teens to early 20s and is more about identity and social roles. Use 思春期 for most everyday references to adolescence.
The word 青春期 (seishunki) exists but is much less common and can sound unnatural. Stick with 思春期.
彼は立派な青年に成長した。
He grew into a fine young man.
Loanword from English 'teenager'. Common in casual contexts and media, but less formal than 思春期の若者.
a magazine for teenagers