青少年

せいしょうねん

youth, young person

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Understanding 青少年

The term 青少年 specifically refers to adolescents, typically those between the ages of 13 and 19. It combines (young) and (young person or youth), emphasizing the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood.

Usage in Conversation

You will often hear 青少年 used in contexts related to education, health, social programs, and psychology. For example, 青少年教育 (adolescent education) or 青少年心理 (adolescent psychology) are common collocations.

Common Collocations

  • 青少年时期: adolescent period, referring to the age range or developmental stage.
  • 青少年: juvenile delinquency, used in legal or social discussions.
  • 青少年活动: activities for adolescents, often in community or school settings.

Nuances and Tips

When using 青少年, it usually implies a group rather than an individual unless context specifies otherwise. It is more formal than just saying or 年轻 and is often used in official or educational contexts. Avoid confusing it with alone, which can sometimes refer to younger boys or teenagers but is less specific.

Summary

青少年 is a key term for discussing topics related to teenagers and young people in Chinese. Knowing its common collocations and contexts will help you understand and participate in conversations about youth culture, education, and social issues.

Example Sentences

Adolescence is a very important stage in life.

The government has launched many educational programs aimed at adolescents.

Adolescents like to participate in various sports activities to stay