Translation guide
Describes someone or something in the early stage of life, growth, or development. Japanese has several words for 'young', and the best choice depends on whether you're talking about people, animals, plants, or abstract things, and the age range or context.
To describe a person who is not old, typically from childhood to early adulthood.
The most common and versatile word for 'young'. Used for people, and sometimes for animals or things in a metaphorical sense. Can refer to anyone from a child to someone in their 30s or 40s, depending on context.
彼はまだ若い。
He is still young.
若い人たちが集まっている。
Young people are gathering.
A noun meaning 'young person' or 'youth'. Often used to refer to young people as a group, especially teenagers and those in their twenties.
最近の若者はスマホをよく使う。
Young people these days use smartphones a lot.
Refers specifically to a young man, or youth in general, often with a nuance of adolescence to early adulthood. Slightly formal or literary.
彼は立派な青年に成長した。
He grew into a fine young man.
To emphasize that someone is in the early stage of childhood, or to describe something suitable for young children.
Means 'very young', typically for children under about 10. Can also imply innocence or childishness.
幼い子供が公園で遊んでいる。
A young child is 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 young.
Literally means 'small', but commonly used to mean 'young' when referring to children. Very natural in spoken Japanese.
To say someone is younger than another person, or to refer to a younger sibling or junior.
Means 'younger' in terms of age. Used as a noun or adjective. Commonly used for relationships or comparisons.
彼は私より年下です。
He is younger than me.
年下の友達ができた。
I made a younger friend.
Can also be used comparatively, but less precise than 年下. Often used with より.
To describe an animal or plant that is not fully grown.
Can be used for animals and plants, though less common than for people. Often implies immaturity or freshness.
若い木は風で折れやすい。
Young trees break easily in the wind.
Used for very young animals, similar to 'baby' or 'infant' animals.
Prefix or suffix meaning 'young' or 'child' for animals. E.g., 子犬 (puppy), 子猫 (kitten). Very common.
子犬が生まれた。
A puppy was born.
To say someone looks young for their age, or has a youthful appearance or energy.
Means 'youthful' or 'young-looking'. Often used as a compliment for someone who appears younger than their actual age.
彼女はいつまでも若々しい。
She always looks young.
Literally 'looks young'. A straightforward phrase.
あなたは若く見えますね。
You look young, don't you?
To describe something like a company, idea, or field that is new, fresh, or in an early stage.
Can be used metaphorically for organizations, ideas, etc., to mean 'new' or 'inexperienced'.
この会社はまだ若い。
This company is still young.
Means 'new'. Often more natural than 若い for non-living things.
In a company setting, calling someone 若い can sound condescending. Use 年下 or 後輩 (こうはい, junior) instead.
若い covers a broad age range from children to adults, while 幼い is limited to very young children (roughly under 10) and carries a nuance of innocence or immaturity.
小さい子が泣いている。
A young child is crying.
He is younger than me.
幼い猫がミルクを飲んでいる。
A young kitten is drinking milk.
新しい分野の研究
research in a young field