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.
幼い子供が公園で遊んでいる。
Very young children are playing in the park.
彼女は幼い頃からピアノを習っている。
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).
小さい子が泣いている。
A very young child is crying.
小さい頃、よく祖母の家に行った。
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.
幼子を抱いた母親の姿が印象的だった。
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.
乳飲み子を連れての旅行は大変だ。
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.
幼い猫が箱の中で寝ている。
A very young cat is sleeping in the box.
Means 'newborn' or 'just born'. Used for animals (and humans) to emphasize extreme youth.
生まれたばかりの子犬は目が見えない。
Newborn puppies can't see.
Specifically a young bird, chick, or hatchling. Not for mammals.
ひなに餌をやる親鳥。
A parent bird feeding its very young chicks.
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.
若い木は風で折れやすい。
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.
トマトの苗を買ってきた。
I bought some very young tomato plants.
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.
まだ若い会社なので、これからが楽しみだ。
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.
できたばかりのチームだから、まだ慣れていない。
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.
始まったばかりのプロジェクトに参加できて嬉しい。
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.
小さい子が好きです。
I like very young children.
幼い子供の笑顔は心を癒す。
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.
I participated in an activity to plant very young trees.