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.
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.
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.