noun
Refers to a young person or the state of being young. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
若の才能が開花した。
The youth's talent blossomed.
noun
child; young son (of a high-ranking person)
Specifically used for the young son of someone of high social standing, such as a noble or wealthy family. Archaic flavor.
殿様の若が初めて狩りに参加した。
The lord's young son participated in the hunt for the first time.
noun, used as a prefix, noun, used as a suffix
Prefix or suffix used in compounds to mean 'young' or 'new'. Not used as a standalone word in modern Japanese.
若葉が美しい季節です。
It's the season when young leaves are beautiful.
若手の社員が新しいプロジェクトを任された。
The young employee was entrusted with a new project.
The kanji 若 and 稚 both carry the meaning of 'young' or 'immature'. The reading わか is native Japanese. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.