Translation guide
The period of being young, or a young person. Japanese distinguishes between the abstract time of life, young people as a group, and individual young persons, with different words for each.
Referring to the time in life when one is young, often nostalgically or abstractly.
Referring to young people as a group or generation.
Referring to a single young person, often male.
若者 is the most common, everyday word for young people. 青年 carries a more formal, idealistic, or literary tone and often implies young adulthood. 青春 refers to the abstract period of youth, not people.
Refers to the springtime of life, the passionate, energetic period of adolescence and early adulthood. Often used in nostalgic or poetic contexts.
青春は短い。
Youth is short.
彼は青春を謳歌している。
He is enjoying his youth to the fullest.
Literally 'when (I) was young'. A common, neutral way to talk about one's younger days.
若い頃はよく旅行した。
I traveled a lot in my youth.
The quality or state of being young; youthfulness. Often used when discussing the advantages or energy of youth.
若さは最大の武器だ。
Youth is the greatest weapon.
The standard word for young people, typically teens to early 30s. Neutral and widely used.
最近の若者は礼儀正しい。
Young people these days are polite.
若者の間で人気のアプリ
An app popular among young people
Refers to young adults, often with a nuance of idealism or societal role. Can be singular or plural, but often used in formal or literary contexts.
青年たちがボランティアに参加した。
The youth participated in volunteer work.
Specifically refers to adolescents and young adults, often in legal, educational, or protective contexts (e.g., 'youth protection').
青少年の健全育成
Healthy development of youth
Can also refer to an individual young person, though context usually makes it clear. Use with counters or demonstratives for singular.
あの若者は誰ですか。
Who is that youth?
Often used for a young man, especially in literary or formal descriptions. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or romantic.
一人の青年が道を尋ねてきた。
A youth asked me for directions.
Specifically a boy, usually under 18. Not a direct equivalent of 'youth' but may be used when the person is clearly a male child or adolescent.
その少年はサッカーが上手だ。
That youth is good at soccer.
The loanword ユース exists but is mainly used in compound terms like ユースホステル (youth hostel) or ユースサッカー (youth soccer). It is not a general translation for 'youth'.
The loanword ユース exists but is mainly used in compound terms like ユースホステル (youth hostel) or ユースサッカー (youth soccer). It is not a general translation for 'youth'.