Japanese Conversation · Level 123
60 words
Japanese word
未成年
Pronunciation
Romajimiseinen
Meaning
- nounminor
Example
彼女はまだ未成年です。kano jo wa ma da mi sei nen de su
She is still a minor.
More examples
この施設は、未成年でも安心して利用できます。ko no shi setsu wa mi sei nen de mo an shin shi te ri yō de ki ma su
Even minors can use this facility safely.
Core concept
Describes a person who is still below the age recognized by law as adulthood.
Common phrases
未成年の同意mi sei nen no dō i
a minor's consent
未成年の権利mi sei nen no ken ri
the rights of minors
Similar words
未成年者miseinensha: A formal term for a person who has not reached the legal age of adulthood.
Definition in Japanese
法律上、成年として扱われる年齢に達していない人。hō ritsu jō sei nen to shi te atsuka wa re ru nen rei ni tas shi te i na i hito
Word origin
未成年 (miseinen) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 未 (mi, "not yet") and 成年 (seinen, "adulthood"), indicating someone who is not yet an adult.
Usage tips
- The age of adulthood varies by jurisdiction, so minor refers to legal status rather than one universal age.