Translation and Meaning of: 青少年 - seishounen

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 青少年 (せいしょうねん). It appears in news articles, social debates, and even educational materials, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage in Japan, and how it is perceived in society. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing this term and its cultural context. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to better understand Japan, this guide from Suki Nihongo will help.

Meaning and translation of 青少年

The word 青少年 is composed of three kanji: 青 (blue/youth), 少 (few/small), and 年 (year/age). Together, they form a term that means "youth" or "adolescent," but with a broader sense. While in Portuguese we use "jovem" in a generic way, in Japanese, 青少年 specifically refers to people in the transition between childhood and adulthood, usually from ages 12 to 18.

In direct translations, you may find equivalents like "youth" or "adolescents," but it is important to note that 青少年 carries a social connotation. In Japan, it is often used in contexts involving education, public policies, and discussions about the future of society. For example, government bodies use this term to refer to support programs for young people.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 青少年 is not just a word in everyday vocabulary – it carries weight in discussions about responsibility and development. You will find it in headlines about education, laws protecting minors, and even in public campaigns. An example is the expression 青少年健全育成 (seishōnen kenzen ikusei), which means "promotion of healthy development of youth."

Unlike terms like 若者 (wakamono), which are more informal, 青少年 appears in formal contexts. Its frequency is higher in official documents, news reports, and political speeches. This reflects the importance that Japanese society places on the adolescent phase, seen as crucial for character formation and values.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 青少年 is by associating its kanjis with images. 青 (blue) refers to youth – in Japanese, 青い can also mean "immature." 少 (few) indicates something in formation, and 年 reinforces the idea of age. Together, they paint the portrait of someone who is still growing. This visual breakdown helps to not only remember the writing but also the concept behind the word.

To practice, try to identify 青少年 in articles about education or Japanese laws. News sites in Japanese, such as NHK, often use the term in reports about schools or projects for teenagers. Observing these real contexts will help you understand when – and when not – to use it in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 少年期 (shounenki) - adolescence age
• 青春期 (seishunki) - youth period/young age
• 若年期 (jakennki) - youth, young phase
• 少年少女期 (shounanshoujoki) - age of boys and girls
• 未成年期 (miseinpenki) - non-adult period

青少年

Romaji: seishounen
Kana: せいしょうねん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: youth; young person

Meaning in English: youth;young person

Definition: Young people under 19 years old.