Translation guide
The period of physical development when a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for the life stage, the process, and related phenomena.
Referring to the time in life when puberty occurs, often used in general conversation.
The most common and neutral term for the period of puberty, encompassing both physical and psychological changes. Used in medical, educational, and everyday contexts.
Puberty is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood.
His voice changed during puberty.
Literally 'youth period', often overlaps with adolescence. Emphasizes the energetic, sometimes turbulent aspects of youth. Slightly more literary or nostalgic than 思春期.
Various worries are part and parcel of puberty/adolescence.
Focusing on the physical development and attainment of reproductive capability.
Refers specifically to the development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development, voice change, body hair). Used in medical and educational contexts.
Secondary sexual characteristics usually begin in the early teens.
Biological term for sexual maturation. More clinical than 思春期.
Describing the onset or experience of puberty as a process.
Informal or everyday references to specific signs of puberty.
Specifically refers to the voice change in boys during puberty. Very common in daily conversation.
My voice started changing and became deeper.
Menstruation; often used as a sign of puberty in girls. Note: can be a sensitive topic; use appropriately.
思春期 (shishunki) is the standard term for puberty, focusing on biological and psychological development. 青春期 (seishunki) is more about the broader period of youth/adolescence and carries a slightly romantic or nostalgic nuance. In most contexts, 思春期 is preferred when referring to puberty specifically.
While 思春期 is the closest equivalent, English 'puberty' can sometimes be used in phrases where Japanese prefers a more specific expression (e.g., 'voice change' instead of 'puberty voice change'). Avoid literal translations like ピューバティー, which is not used.
The age at which one reaches sexual maturity varies greatly among individuals.
When children reach puberty, not only their bodies but also their minds change.
I got my first period when I was in seventh grade.