Translation guide
A child who is too young for elementary school, typically between about 3 and 5 years old. In Japanese, the most natural way to refer to such a child depends on context: whether you are talking about a child in general, a child attending preschool, or a child of preschool age.
To refer to a child who is of preschool age (roughly 3–5 years old) in everyday conversation.
The standard word for a young child, typically from about 1 year old up to elementary school age. It is neutral and widely used.
この公園は幼児向けの遊具が多い。
This park has a lot of play equipment for preschoolers.
Literally 'pre-school child'. This is a more formal term often used in official or educational contexts. It emphasizes that the child has not yet entered elementary school.
未就学児の入場は無料です。
Admission is free for preschoolers.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'small child'. It is casual and commonly used in speech when the exact age is not important.
小さな子供がいるので、早く帰ります。
I have a preschooler at home, so I'll go back early.
To refer specifically to a child who goes to a preschool, nursery school, or kindergarten.
Refers to a child enrolled in a preschool, kindergarten, or nursery school (any kind of 園). It is the most natural word when talking about children in that setting.
園児たちが歌を歌っている。
The preschoolers are singing a song.
Specifically a child attending a 幼稚園 (kindergarten), which is for children aged 3–5. Use this when you want to be precise about the type of institution.
A child attending a 保育園 (nursery school/daycare). These children are also preschool age, but the term emphasizes the childcare aspect.
To describe a child by their age rather than by school enrollment.
Simply state the age. This is very common and natural when the exact age matters. Replace N with the age.
4歳の子供がいます。
I have a preschooler (a 4-year-old).
幼児 is a broad term for young children (infants to pre-elementary). 園児 specifically means a child enrolled in a preschool/kindergarten/nursery school. 未就学児 is a formal term used in official contexts to mean 'preschool child' (not yet in elementary school).
幼児向けの絵本
picture books for preschoolers
園児の送迎バス
a shuttle bus for preschoolers
未就学児の医療費助成
medical expense subsidies for preschoolers
幼稚園児の娘がいます。
I have a daughter who is a preschooler (attending kindergarten).
保育園児のお迎えに行きます。
I'm going to pick up my preschooler from daycare.