expression, noun
young person; young people; youth
General term for a young person or young people collectively. Often used in contrast with older generations. The cross-reference 若者 is a more common synonym.
See also: 若者
最近の若い者は礼儀を知らないと言われる。
It is said that young people these days lack manners.
あの
That young person works hard, doesn't he?
expression, noun
young employee; young manservant; young follower
Refers to a young person in a subordinate role, such as an apprentice, junior employee, or follower in a traditional setting. Often used in historical or hierarchical contexts.
店の若い者に使いを頼んだ。
I asked the young employee of the shop to run an errand.
彼は親方の若い者として修行した。
He trained as a young follower of the master.
若者 is the standard, more common word for 'young person' or 'youth'. 若い者 is slightly more formal or literary, and can also carry the nuance of a subordinate young person.
Compound of 若い (young) and 者 (person). The reading わかいもの follows standard rendaku rules.