Translation guide
Describes a child who shows abilities or behavior at an unusually early age. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific adjectives and phrases that highlight early development, often with nuances of being advanced or mature beyond one's years.
Describing a child who demonstrates exceptional intellectual abilities or knowledge earlier than typical.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'early ripening' or 'precocity'. Used for children who mature intellectually or emotionally early. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
He was a precocious child.
A common colloquial phrase meaning 'to be precocious' or 'to be mature for one's age'. Often used in everyday conversation. The verb まぜる means 'to make precocious', and ませている is the stative form.
That kid is precocious, isn't he?
Means 'genius-like' or 'prodigious'. Used when the child's abilities are extraordinary, not just advanced. Often implies innate talent.
She showed precocious musical talent.
Literally 'smart for one's age'. A straightforward way to describe intellectual precocity. Can be used in any context.
That child is precocious (smart for their age).
Means 'child prodigy'. Used for exceptionally gifted children, often in specific fields like music or mathematics. More dramatic than 早熟.
He is called a precocious math prodigy.
Describing a child who behaves in a mature, adult-like manner, often in social situations or emotional understanding.
Also used for emotional/social precocity. Implies the child acts older than they are, sometimes with a negative connotation of being too forward.
She talks in a precocious manner.
Means 'to be adult-like' or 'mature'. Describes a child who looks or acts like an adult. Often used positively.
Literally 'is reliable/steady for one's age'. Used when a child shows responsibility or composure beyond their years.
Describing a child who shows physical development or puberty earlier than peers.
Can also refer to physical precocity, such as early puberty. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
Precocious children develop physically early.
Means 'to develop early'. A neutral, descriptive phrase for early physical growth.
That child is precocious in physical development.
Describing a skill or talent that appears at an unusually early age, not necessarily the child themselves.
Means 'to display talent from an early age'. Used when describing the emergence of a skill.
She showed precocious artistic talent.
Literally 'early blooming'. Metaphorically used for a person who achieves success or shows talent early in life. Often contrasted with 遅咲き (late bloomer).
While 早熟 is a direct translation, it is less common in everyday speech. Phrases like ませている or 大人びている are more natural when describing a child's behavior. Using 早熟 in casual conversation may sound overly formal or clinical.
ませている often implies a child is precocious in a way that may be seen as cheeky or overly forward, sometimes with a slightly negative nuance. 大人びている is more neutral or positive, focusing on mature appearance or demeanor without the connotation of being too forward.
She was a precocious child who read novels at age four.
His precocious behavior surprised the teachers.
That child has a precocious way of thinking.
He is precociously responsible.
彼は早咲きの天才だった。
He was a precocious genius.