Refers to a young person or the state of being young. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
The youth's talent blossomed.
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.
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.
The lord's young son participated in the hunt for the first time.
It's the season when young leaves are beautiful.
The young employee was entrusted with a new project.
young; youthful · immature; green; inexperienced · low (number); small
young person; young people; the youth
young person; young member; young talent
wakame; edible brown seaweed
new leaves; young leaves; fresh verdure
young pine tree · New Year's pine decoration
young wife
be rejuvenated; feel young again
young greens; young herbs
rejuvenation; restoration of youth
youthful; young-looking
young master; young gentleman
young imperial prince; child of the imperial family · shrine dedicated to a child deity of the main shrine · newly built shrine for a transferred tutelary deity
youthful impetuosity; youthful vitality
young grass; fresh green grass
young master; son of a high-ranking person
young man; youth; lad · servant boy; young shopboy; apprentice
dressing to look young; making oneself look younger
young tree; sapling
young lord; young prince
young warrior
first water drawn on New Year's morning
youngster; greenhorn; neophyte
young person; youth · pre-coming-of-age boy (Edo period) · young male prostitute (historical); young kabuki actor-prostitute; younger partner in male homosexual relationship (historical)
young; youthful
Kōwaka; Kōwaka dance; recitative dance style of the Muromachi period
young person; youth · young
youth; youthfulness
youngish; young-looking
young samurai
Standard kanji spelling for this bound form.
Rare alternative kanji; mostly seen in older or literary contexts.
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.