Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and natural way to refer to 'young people' depends on context, age range, and formality. The default term is 若者 (wakamono), but other words like 若い人 (wakai hito) or 青少年 (seishōnen) are used in specific situations.
The speaker wants to refer to young people in a general, neutral way, without specifying exact age or gender.
The most common and neutral word for 'young people', typically referring to those from their teens to early 30s. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Young people these days use smartphones a lot.
That app is popular among young people.
Literally 'young person/people'. Slightly more casual and personal than 若者. Often used when speaking about individuals or a less defined group.
Young people were gathering in the park.
Means 'younger generation'. Used when contrasting with older generations or discussing societal trends.
The way of thinking of the younger generation is different.
The speaker refers to young people in a more formal, institutional, or developmental context, often emphasizing education or social guidance.
Formal term for 'youth' or 'adolescents', typically used in legal, educational, or policy contexts. Covers roughly ages 12–25.
The healthy development of youth is important.
A statistical or sociological term meaning 'young age group' or 'young demographic'. Common in news reports and surveys.
The speaker wants to refer to young people in a very casual, trendy, or insider way, often among peers.
Plural form of 若者, adding たち makes it explicitly plural and slightly more colloquial. Often used in media or casual conversation.
Young people are creating new trends.
Very casual, often used by older people to refer to young people, especially teenagers or those in their early 20s. Can sound patronizing if used inappropriately.
Can sound condescending; avoid in formal settings.
The speaker is discussing young people as a target audience or consumer group.
Means 'aimed at young people'. Used for products, services, or content.
This magazine is aimed at young people.
Loanword from English 'young', used in compound words like ヤング世代 (young generation) or in brand names. Not used standalone as a noun for 'young people'.
Not a direct translation for 'young people'; used only in specific compounds.
若者 is the standard, slightly more abstract term for 'young people' as a social group. 若い人 is more concrete and personal, often used when referring to specific individuals or a visible group. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 若者 is preferred in news and formal writing.
While 若い人々 is grammatically correct, it is less common and can sound stiff. Use 若者 or 若い人たち instead.
The unemployment rate among young people is rising.
I don't know what young people these days are thinking.
ヤング世代に人気のブランド
A brand popular with the young generation