Translation and Meaning of: 成人 - seijin

The Japanese word 成人[せいじん] is an essential term for those who wish to understand not only the language but also cultural and social aspects of Japan. If you have ever wondered what this expression exactly means, how it is used in everyday life, or what its importance is in Japanese society, this article will clarify those questions. Here, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to curiosities about its use in different contexts.

In addition to being a common word in formal and informal conversations, 成人 is directly linked to important rituals and celebrations in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just have an interest in the culture of the country, understanding this term can open doors to deeper knowledge. Let's begin by unraveling its meaning and then dive into fascinating details about its origin and practical application.

Meaning and use of 成人[せいじん]

成人[せいじん] is composed of the kanjis 成 (to achieve, to become) and 人 (person), forming the concept of "adult" or "maturity". In Japan, this term is not limited to just the legal age, but carries significant cultural weight. The age of majority in the country is reached at 18 years old since 2022, but ancient traditions still influence the social perception of this milestone.

One of the most well-known uses of the word is in the celebration of 成人式[せいじんしき], or Coming of Age Ceremony, which takes place on the second Monday of January each year. At this event, young people wear traditional kimonos or formal attire to mark their official entry into adulthood. The word also appears in everyday contexts, such as 成人向け[せいじんむけ] (adult content) or 成人病[せいじんびょう] (adult diseases).

Origin and Evolution of the term

The combination of the kanjis 成 and 人 to form "adult" dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the concept of adulthood began to be formalized in Japan. Originally, adulthood was associated with specific coming-of-age rituals, such as genpuku for boys and mogi for girls. These ceremonies marked the transition from childhood to adulthood and the beginning of social responsibilities.

With the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the legal definition of 成人 was initially established at the age of 20, an age that remained until 2022. The change to 18 years reflects adaptations to international conventions, but culturally, many Japanese still consider 20 years as the symbolic milestone of complete adulthood. This duality between law and tradition makes the term particularly interesting for language students.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 成人 is to associate the kanji 成 with "completion" (as in 完成[かんせい] - completion) and 人 with "person." Together, they form the idea of "a person who has completed their growth." Another tip is to remember the Coming of Age Ceremony, a significant event that is unlikely to be forgotten by anyone studying Japanese culture.

A little-known fact is that, although the legal age of majority is 18, some adult privileges are only granted at 20 in Japan. For example, drinking alcohol and smoking remain prohibited until that age. This nuance shows how the word 成人 can have layers of meaning that go beyond the literal definition, reflecting complexities of modern Japanese society.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

大人 (otona) - Pessoa adulta
人間 (ningen) - Human being
人 (hito) - Person
男女 (danjo) - Men and women
男女成人 (danjo seijin) - Adults of both genders
成年人 (seijin) - Adult person or legal adult
成熟した人 (seijuku shita hito) - Pessoa madura
成人男女 (seijin danjo) - Adults, men and women
成人式 (seijin shiki) - Cerimônia de maioridade
成人式を迎える (seijin shiki o mukaeru) - Participate in the coming of age ceremony
成人式を迎えた (seijin shiki o mukaeta) - Who participated in the coming-of-age ceremony
成人男女の日 (seijin danjo no hi) - Dia dos adultos
成人式の日 (seijin shiki no hi) - Coming of Age Ceremony Day
成人祝い (seijin iwai) - Commemoration of the coming of age
成人式の振袖 (seijin shiki no furisode) - Long-sleeved kimono worn at the coming-of-age ceremony.
成人式の袴 (seijin shiki no hakama) - Traditional male attire worn at the coming-of-age ceremony.
成人式の着物 (seijin shiki no kimono) - Kimono worn at the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のヘアアレンジ (seijin shiki no hea arenji) - Hair arrangement for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のメイク (seijin shiki no meiku) - Makeup for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のネイル (seijin shiki no neiru) - Nails for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のアクセサリー (seijin shiki no akusesarii) - Accessories for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式の靴 (seijin shiki no kutsu) - Footwear for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のバッグ (seijin shiki no baggu) - Bags for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のヘアアクセサリー (seijin shiki no hea akusesarii) - Hair accessories for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式の小物 (seijin shiki no komono) - Small items for the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のお祝い (seijin shiki no oiwai) - Celebrations of the coming-of-age ceremony
成人式のプレゼント (seijin shiki no purezento) - Gifts for the coming-of-age ceremony