Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'young child' depends on context, age range, and formality. The most common general term is 子供 (こども), but more specific words exist for infants, toddlers, and small children. This guide covers natural ways to express the concept.
The speaker wants to refer to a young human being in general, without specifying exact age.
The most common and neutral word for 'child'. Can refer to anyone from a baby to a teenager, but context usually clarifies youth.
That young child is energetic, isn't he?
When I was a child, I often played in the park.
A shorter, slightly more literary or formal version of 子供. Often used in compounds or set phrases.
This child is still small.
The speaker specifically means a very young child who cannot walk or talk yet.
The speaker wants to refer to a child who is just starting to walk and talk.
The speaker means a child who is no longer a baby but not yet in elementary school.
The speaker is referring to their own son or daughter who is still young.
English 'young child' is often redundant in Japanese. Simply 子供 (こども) already implies youth. Adding 若い (わかい) to 子供 sounds unnatural. Use 小さな子供 (ちいさなこども) if you need to emphasize small size/age.
赤ちゃん (あかちゃん) is for babies (0–1). 幼児 (ようじ) covers toddlers and preschoolers (1–6). 子供 (こども) is the broadest, from baby to adolescent. In daily conversation, 子供 is the safest choice unless you need to be specific.
There is a young child over there.
She has a young child.
Young children need a lot of sleep.
Using 幼児 here specifies the preschool age group; 小さな子供 also works.
I went for the infant's health check-up.
幼子の笑顔は天使のようだ。
The smile of a young child is like an angel's.