Translation guide
The quality of developing or maturing earlier than usual, especially in mental ability or behavior. In Japanese, this is often expressed through specific adjectives, nouns, and set phrases that describe early development, talent, or maturity beyond one's years.
Describing a child who shows advanced mental abilities or knowledge for their age.
The most direct equivalent for 'precocity', used as a noun or adjective (na-adjective). Often used in educational or psychological contexts.
彼は早熟な子供だった。
He was a precocious child.
A common, slightly colloquial way to say a child is precocious or acts older than their age. Often used in everyday conversation.
あの子はませているね。
That kid is precocious, isn't he?
Literally 'genius child', used for exceptionally gifted children. Implies a higher degree of precocity, often in intellectual or creative fields.
彼女は天才児として知られている。
She is known as a child prodigy.
A literary or formal term for a child prodigy, often with a nuance of divine talent. Used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼は幼い頃から神童と呼ばれていた。
He was called a child prodigy from a young age.
Referring to a child whose body matures faster than peers, such as early puberty.
A neutral, descriptive phrase meaning 'development is fast', used for physical growth or puberty.
彼女は発育が早くて、同級生より背が高い。
She developed early and is taller than her classmates.
Can also refer to physical precocity, though it's more commonly used for mental/intellectual precocity. Context clarifies the meaning.
早熟な体つきの子供
a child with a precocious physique
Describing someone, not necessarily a child, who acts or thinks in a way that seems older or more experienced.
Means 'to seem adult-like' or 'mature for one's age'. Used for both children and young adults who behave maturely.
彼の考え方は大人びている。
His way of thinking is mature for his age.
Also used for mature behavior, but can carry a slight nuance of being overly forward or cheeky, especially in romantic or social contexts.
Can sometimes imply a child is acting too grown-up in a way that might be seen as inappropriate or precocious in a negative sense.
ませた口をきく子供
a child who talks like an adult
Showing advanced ability in a specific area like music, art, or sports at a young age.
A phrase meaning 'to demonstrate talent from an early age'. It's a natural way to describe precocious skill without using a single noun.
彼は早くから音楽の才能を発揮した。
He showed musical talent from an early age.
Literally 'precocious talent', a more formal or written expression.
彼女の早熟の才能は周囲を驚かせた。
Her precocious talent surprised everyone around her.
早熟 (そうじゅく) is a formal, neutral term often used in writing or academic contexts. ませている is colloquial and can sometimes imply a child is precocious in a socially awkward or overly adult-like way. Use ませている in casual speech, but be aware of the nuance.
早熟な子供は時に孤立しやすい。
Precocious children are sometimes prone to isolation.
あの子、ませてるよね。
That kid is so precocious, isn't he?
The English noun 'precocity' is not commonly used in everyday Japanese. Instead, use adjectives or descriptive phrases like 早熟な (precocious) or ませている (acting older). Directly translating 'precocity' as 早熟性 (そうじゅくせい) is possible but sounds technical and stiff.