noun
young warrior
Refers to a young samurai or warrior, often with a nuance of inexperience or youthful vigor. Common in historical or literary contexts.
若武者たちは初陣に臨んだ。
The young warriors faced their first battle.
彼はまだ若武者だが、剣の腕は確かだ。
He is still a young warrior, but his swordsmanship is solid.
武者 is a broader term for a warrior; 若武者 specifically emphasizes youth.
Compound of 若 (young) and 武者 (warrior). The exact historical derivation is straightforward; the word has been used since the Heian period to describe young samurai.