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.
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.
子供時代の思い出は大切です。
Childhood memories are precious.
彼は子供時代を田舎で過ごした。
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.
彼女は幼少期からピアノを習っていた。
She has been learning piano since early childhood.
A very common, slightly more colloquial phrase meaning 'when I was a child' or 'childhood days'. Often used in personal narratives.
子どもの頃、よくこの公園で遊んだ。
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.
彼は幼年時代に多くの本を読んだ。
He read many books in his early childhood.
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.
児童期の教育は重要です。
Education during childhood is important.
Refers to early childhood, typically before school age (infancy to around 6). Common in child development contexts.
幼児期の経験が人格形成に影響する。
Experiences in early childhood influence personality development.
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.
彼は私の幼なじみです。
He is my childhood friend.
A more literal phrase meaning 'a friend since childhood'. Slightly more descriptive than 幼なじみ.
彼女は子供の頃からの友達です。
She is a friend from childhood.
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.
子供時代はあっという間に過ぎた。
My childhood passed in the blink of an eye.
幼少期の記憶はほとんどない。
I have almost no memories of early childhood.
子どもの頃、よく祖母の家に行った。
I often went to my grandmother's house when I was a child.