Translation and Meaning of: 成年 - seinen

A palavra japonesa 成年[せいねん] é um termo essencial para quem deseja entender aspectos legais e culturais do Japão. Seu significado vai além da simples tradução, envolvendo conceitos de maioridade e responsabilidade social. Neste artigo, exploraremos o que essa palavra representa, sua origem, usos cotidianos e como ela se relaciona com a sociedade japonesa. Se você já se perguntou sobre o que define a vida adulta no Japão, este texto é para você.

The meaning and importance of 成年[せいねん]

Seinen [せいねん] literally means "adult age" and is directly related to the concept of legal adulthood in Japan. Until 2022, adulthood was reached at the age of 20, but a change in the law reduced this age to 18. This alteration reflects social discussions about the autonomy and responsibility of young people.

The term is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents and official ceremonies. For example, 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) is a national holiday that celebrates young people who have reached 成年[せいねん] (seinen). This event reinforces the cultural significance of the transition into adulthood in Japan.

Origin and writing of the kanjis 成年[せいねん]

The word 成年[せいねん] is composed of two kanjis: 成 (seu, naru), which means "to complete" or "to become," and 年 (nen, toshi), which represents "year" or "age." Together, they form the idea of "completed age," reinforcing the concept of legal maturity.

It is worth noting that the kanji 成 appears in other words related to growth and achievement, such as 成長 (seichou - growth) and 成功 (seikou - success). This connection helps to understand how the Japanese language links adulthood to personal development.

Cultural and social use of 成年 [せいねん]

In Japan, reaching 成年[せいねん] grants rights such as voting, obtaining a driver's license, and signing contracts without parental consent. On the other hand, it also implies full legal responsibilities. This transition is taken very seriously in Japanese society.

Interestingly, even with the reduction of the age of majority to 18, some restrictions remain until 20, such as the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. This nuance shows how the concept of adulthood can vary between legal and social aspects in Japan.

Tips for memorizing 成年[せいねん]

One effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanji 成 with "to complete" and 年 with "years". Think of "completing the necessary years to become an adult". This mental image helps to reinforce the meaning.

Another strategy is to connect 成年[せいねん] with the holiday of 成人の日. Remembering this annual celebration can serve as a trigger to recall the term and its cultural significance.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

大人 (おとな) - Adult; refers to a person who has reached the age of majority and is considered mature.
成人 (せいじん) - Adult; emphasizes the condition of having reached legal adulthood, often in a formal context.