Japanese word

幼い

Pronunciation

Romajiosanai

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveyoung

Example

その子はまだ幼いです。so no ko wa ma da osana i de su

That child is still young.

Illustration for 幼い (young)

More examples

妹はまだ幼いので、一人で留守番できません。imōto wa ma da osana i no de hito ri de ru su ban de ki ma se n

My little sister is still young, so she cannot stay home alone.

Core concept

Describes someone or something at an early stage of growth, with limited experience or maturity.

Common phrases

  • 幼い頃osana i koro

    early childhood

  • 幼い子どもosana i ko do mo

    young child

  • 幼い声osana i koe

    childish voice

  • 幼い心osana i kokoro

    childlike mind

Similar words

若いwakai: Describes a person or thing that has existed or developed for only a short time.
あどけないadokenai: Describes a person or manner that has a gentle, innocent quality associated with childhood.
若々しいwakawakashii: Describes qualities that suggest the energy or appearance of youth.

Definition in Japanese

年齢が低い、または成長や経験が足りず未熟なさま。nen rei ga hiku i ma ta wa sei chō ya kei ken ga ta ri zu mi juku na sa ma

Word origin

幼い (osanai) is a native Japanese adjective inherited from the classical form 幼し (osanashi), which meant young or immature.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 幼い (osanai) can describe not only a child's age but also an older person's immature behavior, so context affects whether young or childish is the better translation.

Other meanings

  • childishi-adjective

Opposites

  • 大人っぽいotonappoimaturei-adjective

Related words

  • 幼さosanasachildishnessnoun

Word lists with this word