Japanese word

大人

Pronunciation

Romajiotona

Meaning

  • nounadult

Example

私は大人です。watashi wa otona de su

I am an adult.

Illustration for 大人 (adult)

More examples

困ったときは、大人に相談します。koma tta to ki wa otona ni sō dan shi ma su

When I have a problem, I ask an adult for advice.

Core concept

Describes a person who has grown beyond childhood and is treated as mature in society.

Common phrases

  • 大人になるotona ni na ru

    become an adult

  • 大人に相談するotona ni sō dan su ru

    ask an adult for advice

  • 大人の意見otona no i ken

    an adult's opinion

Similar words

成人seijin: A person who has reached the age of adulthood, especially in a formal or legal context.

Definition in Japanese

子供ではなく、成長して社会的に一人前とみなされる人。ko domo de wa na ku sei chō shi te sha kai teki ni ichi nin mae to mi na sa re ru hito

Word origin

大人 (otona) is traditionally traced to おおひと (ōhito), combining 大 (ō, "large") and 人 (hito, "person"); its form and meaning later developed into a term for a mature person.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 大人 (otona) can refer not only to age but also to the calm, responsible behavior associated with maturity.

Opposites

Related words

  • 大人っぽいotonappoimature-lookingi-adjective
  • 大人らしいotonarashiiadult-likei-adjective

Word lists with this word