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.
思春期は子どもから大人への移行期です。
Puberty is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood.
彼は思春期で声変わりした。
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.
青春期には様々な悩みがつきものだ。
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.
第二次性徴は通常10代前半に始まります。
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.
Common phrase meaning 'to enter puberty'.
娘が思春期に入って、親と話したがらなくなった。
My daughter has entered puberty and no longer wants to talk with us parents.
Literally 'to welcome puberty', a slightly more formal or written expression.
子どもが思春期を迎えると、体だけでなく心も変化します。
When children reach puberty, not only their bodies but also their minds change.
Informal or everyday references to specific signs of puberty.
Specifically refers to the voice change in boys during puberty. Very common in daily conversation.
声変わりが始まって、声が低くなった。
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.
性成熟に達する年齢は個人差が大きい。
The age at which one reaches sexual maturity varies greatly among individuals.
I got my first period when I was in seventh grade.