Translation guide
Describes someone or something at an early stage of life, development, or existence. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean a baby, a small child, a young animal, or something new/fresh. The most common and versatile word is 幼い (osanaī), but it can sound literary or emotional. For everyday speech about children, 小さい (chīsai) is more natural.
Describing a human who is very young, such as a baby, toddler, or small child.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'very young' or 'childish'. Often used for children under about 6–7 years old. Can carry a nuance of innocence or immaturity. Common in written language and formal contexts, but less frequent in casual speech.
Very young children are playing in the park.
She has been learning piano since she was very young.
Literally 'small', but very commonly used to mean 'young' for children. Natural in everyday conversation. Often used as 小さい子 (chīsai ko) or 小さい頃 (chīsai koro).
A very young child is crying.
When I was very young, I often went to my grandmother's house.
A slightly more literary or poetic word for a very young child, often an infant or toddler. Not used in everyday speech.
The sight of a mother holding a very young child was striking.
Specifically a nursing infant, a baby still breastfeeding. Very specific and somewhat old-fashioned.
Traveling with a nursing infant is tough.
Describing an animal that is very young, such as a puppy, kitten, or chick.
Can be used for animals as well, meaning 'young' or 'immature'. Works for any animal.
A very young cat is sleeping in the box.
Means 'newborn' or 'just born'. Used for animals (and humans) to emphasize extreme youth.
Newborn puppies can't see.
Specifically a young bird, chick, or hatchling. Not for mammals.
Describing a plant or tree that is very young, newly sprouted, or not yet mature.
Means 'young' and is used for plants and trees as well as people. Implies not fully grown.
Very young trees break easily in the wind.
Specifically a young tree, sapling. More technical or literary.
A seedling or young plant ready for transplanting. Common in gardening/farming contexts.
Describing something that is very new, recently started, or at an early stage of development (e.g., a company, a relationship, a day).
Can mean 'young' in the sense of new or inexperienced. Used for organizations, ideas, etc.
It's still a very young company, so I'm looking forward to the future.
Means 'just made' or 'newly formed'. Used for things like organizations, buildings, or relationships.
It's a very young team, so we're not used to each other yet.
Means 'just started'. For events, periods, or processes that are very young.
I'm happy to be part of this very young project.
Both can mean 'very young', but 小さい is more common in everyday speech. 幼い can sound more emotional or literary, and sometimes implies innocence or immaturity. When in doubt, use 小さい for casual conversation about children.
I like very young children.
The smile of a very young child heals the heart.
若い (wakai) means 'young' but is typically used for teenagers and adults, not for very young children or babies. Using 若い for a baby sounds unnatural. Use 幼い or 小さい instead.
A parent bird feeding its very young chicks.
幼木を植える活動に参加した。
I participated in an activity to plant very young trees.
I bought some very young tomato plants.