Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'teenager' is most commonly expressed with 十代 (juudai), but there are several other terms depending on context, age range, and formality. This guide covers the most useful expressions for English-speaking learners.
Referring to someone in their teens (13–19) in a neutral or general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'teenager'. It literally means 'the tens generation' and can refer to both the age range and the people in it. Often used with の (no) to modify nouns.
Teenagers often use smartphones.
She is still a teenager.
A loanword from English, commonly used in casual conversation and media. It's well understood but slightly less formal than 十代.
a magazine for teenagers
A more formal term often used in official contexts, laws, or educational settings. It encompasses youth broadly, including teenagers and sometimes young adults.
Juvenile crime is increasing.
Distinguishing between younger and older teens, or referring to a specific age.
Informal ways to refer to teenagers, often used among young people or in pop culture.
Shortened form of ティーンエイジャー, used in casual speech or marketing. Can also appear in compounds like ティーン向け (for teens).
That shop is popular with teens.
Means 'young person' and can include teenagers, but is broader (often up to early 30s). Use with caution if you specifically mean 13–19.
十代 is the most neutral and widely used term for 'teenager'. ティーンエイジャー is a casual loanword, common in media and conversation. 青少年 is formal and often used in legal or educational contexts. For everyday speech, 十代 or ティーンエイジャー are best.
When I was a teenager, I used to listen to music a lot.
Teenagers are sensitive to new trends.
The healthy development of youth is important.
In Japanese, ages are simply stated with 歳 (sai). There is no special word for 'teen' as in English. Do not try to translate 'teen' directly; use 十代 or the specific age pattern instead.
He is 17 years old.
She is a teenager.
Teenagers often stay up late.
I have a teenage daughter.
Refers to junior high school students, typically aged 12–15. Useful when the context is school-related.
Junior high school students wear uniforms.
Refers to high school students, typically aged 15–18. Very common in everyday conversation.
Once you become a high school student, you can work part-time.
最近の若者は礼儀を知らない。
Young people these days don't know manners.