Translation guide
Refers to the initial period of something, such as childhood, a career, or a historical era. Japanese expressions vary depending on what 'early years' refers to.
To talk about someone's childhood or early life.
A common, neutral term for early childhood, roughly up to elementary school age.
He spent his early years in the countryside.
Everyday expression meaning 'when (I/you/he etc.) was little'. More conversational than 幼少期.
In my early years, my grandmother often read picture books to me.
Means 'when (I was) a child'. Broader than 幼い頃, can include older childhood.
In my early years, I played outside every day.
Literary or formal term for early childhood. Often used in titles or historical contexts.
His early years were overshadowed by war.
To refer to the initial phase of a professional life, business, or undertaking.
General term for 'early period' or 'initial stage'. Can be used for careers, projects, historical periods, etc.
He experienced many failures in the early years of his career.
Slightly more conversational than 初期 alone. 'In the early days'.
Specifically for the early years of a career when one is a novice or rookie. Has a nuance of being inexperienced.
To describe the beginning phase of a historical age or epoch.
Same as above; the standard term for 'early period' in historical contexts.
In the early years of the Edo period, many reforms were carried out.
Means 'beginning' or 'early part' of a century, era, etc. Often used in formal writing.
In the early years of the company, there were only five employees.
In my early years as a rookie, every day was a learning experience.
20世紀初頭、科学技術が急速に発展した。
In the early years of the 20th century, science and technology advanced rapidly.