Translation guide
The period of life when one is a child. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with nouns like 子供時代 or 幼少期, but the choice depends on context and nuance.
childhood (general)
when I was a child
Referring to the time in one's life when they were a child, in a general or personal sense.
The most straightforward and common way to say 'childhood'. Literally 'child era/period'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
Childhood memories are precious.
He spent his childhood in the countryside.
Refers specifically to early childhood, roughly from infancy to early elementary school age. More formal and often used in written or biographical contexts.
A very common, slightly more colloquial phrase meaning 'when I was a child' or 'childhood days'. Often used in personal narratives.
Referring to childhood in psychological, educational, or developmental contexts.
Specifically refers to the developmental stage of childhood (roughly ages 6-12). Used in academic or professional settings.
Education during childhood is important.
Refers to early childhood, typically before school age (infancy to around 6). Common in child development contexts.
Referring to a friend from childhood.
A childhood friend, often implying a long-standing, close relationship. Can be used for friends of the same or opposite sex.
He is my childhood friend.
A more literal phrase meaning 'a friend since childhood'. Slightly more descriptive than 幼なじみ.
子供時代 is the most general and neutral term for 'childhood'. 幼少期 emphasizes early childhood and is more formal. 子どもの頃 is a colloquial phrase meaning 'when (I) was a child' and is very common in conversation.
My childhood passed in the blink of an eye.
I have almost no memories of early childhood.
I often went to my grandmother's house when I was a child.
She has been learning piano since early childhood.
I used to play in this park a lot when I was a child.
Similar to 幼少期, meaning early childhood years. Somewhat literary or formal.
He read many books in his early childhood.
幼児期の経験が人格形成に影響する。
Experiences in early childhood influence personality development.
She is a friend from childhood.