Translation guide
The English word "juvenile" can refer to young people, immature behavior, or things related to young people. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a young person, especially in legal or formal contexts.
Typically refers to a boy or young male, often used in legal contexts (juvenile delinquency, etc.). Can be used generally for young people but leans male.
The juvenile was caught shoplifting.
Legal term for a minor, someone under the age of majority (20 in Japan). Used in formal and legal contexts.
Drinking by juveniles is prohibited by law.
General term for young people, youth. Broader and less formal than 少年 or 未成年.
It's said that juveniles today are not interested in politics.
Refers to adolescents and young adults, often used in contexts of education, welfare, or crime prevention.
The healthy development of juveniles is important.
Describing behavior or attitudes that are immature, silly, or not appropriate for an adult.
Means childish, immature, often with a negative connotation. Used for behavior, ideas, etc.
His jokes are too juvenile.
Childish, childlike. Can be negative or neutral depending on context. Common in everyday speech.
Immature, unripe, inexperienced. Often used for skills or emotional maturity.
Literally 'smells green', meaning inexperienced, naive, juvenile. Slightly literary or old-fashioned.
Describing things intended for or associated with young people, such as books, crime, or fashion.
Referring to a young animal, especially in biology or zoology.
When referring to a young person in casual conversation, simply using 若者 or 若い人 is more natural than 少年 or 未成年, which sound formal or legal. For example, 'He's just a juvenile' is better translated as 彼はまだ若いだけだ rather than 彼はただの少年だ.
Both mean childish, but 幼稚 is more negative and formal, often used for ideas or systems. 子供っぽい is more about behavior and can be used affectionately or neutrally. 幼稚 is also used in 幼稚園 (kindergarten).
Juvenile crime is a serious problem.
Stop being so juvenile!
Getting angry over something like that is juvenile.
His way of thinking is still juvenile.
His idealism is juvenile.
I write juvenile novels.
I read classics of juvenile literature.
That bird's juvenile can't fly yet.