Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'young man' depends heavily on context, age, relationship, and formality. The most common and neutral term is 若い男性, but in casual speech, 若い男 or 若者 are used. There are also specific terms for boys, young adults, and even slang. This guide covers the most useful options for an English speaker.
Referring to a young man in a neutral, descriptive way, without specifying exact age or relationship.
The most standard and polite way to say 'young man'. Suitable for formal and written contexts.
Who is that young man?
A more casual version of 若い男性. Common in everyday conversation, but can sound a bit blunt or rough depending on tone.
A young man asked me for directions.
Literally 'young person', but often used to refer to young men in general, especially in news or social commentary. Can be plural.
Referring to a male who is not yet an adult, typically a teenager or younger.
Standard word for 'boy', usually up to around 18 years old. Used in formal and informal contexts.
Referring to a man in his twenties or thirties, often in a social or professional context.
Using very informal or slang terms for a young man, often among friends or in pop culture.
Literally 'older brother', but can be used to address a young man casually, similar to 'buddy' or 'dude'. Can be friendly or slightly condescending.
Specifically referring to a good-looking young man.
In English, 'young man' can be used to address someone directly (e.g., 'Excuse me, young man'). In Japanese, this is not natural. Instead, use すみません (excuse me) without a title, or if you must address them, use お兄さん (おにいさん) for a young man in casual settings, but be aware it can sound overly familiar.
Excuse me, young man, you dropped this.
若い男性 is the safest, most neutral term for any young adult male. 青年 implies a sense of youthfulness and potential, often used in positive contexts. 少年 specifically means a boy, not a man. Use 少年 for minors, 青年 for young adults with a nuance of promise, and 若い男性 for general descriptions.
最近の若者は礼儀を知らない。
Young people these days don't know manners.
That boy is good at soccer.
Literally 'male child', used for boys up to early teens. More casual and affectionate than 少年.
Boys are playing in the park.
Refers to a young man, typically from late teens to early 30s. Often used in literary or formal contexts, or to describe a 'youth'.
He is a promising young man.
Refers to a 'young' member of a profession or group, like a 'young talent' or 'junior'. Often used in business or sports.
The young employees at the company started a new project.
Hey, buddy, give me a hand.
Rough slang for 'brat' or 'kid'. Used for young males, often derogatory. Not recommended for polite conversation.
Very informal and can be offensive. Use only with close friends or in joking contexts.
That brat is up to mischief again.
Literally 'beautiful young man'. Used in literature, media, or to describe a strikingly handsome youth.
He looks like a handsome young man from a movie.
Modern slang for a good-looking guy. Very common in casual conversation and media.
That clerk is a good-looking guy, isn't he?