Meaning and Usage
"成人" (せいじん) means "adult" or "grown-up" in Japanese. It refers to a person who has reached the age of majority, typically 20 years old in Japan, when one gains legal rights and responsibilities.
Cultural Context
In Japan, "成人" is strongly associated with the "成人式" (せいじんしき), the Coming of Age ceremony held annually to celebrate young people turning 20. This event marks the transition from youth to adulthood.
Common Collocations
- 成人式 (せいじんしき): Coming of Age ceremony
- 成人向け (せいじんむけ): intended for adults (e.g., movies, books)
- 成人年齢 (せいじんねんれい): age of majority
Usage Notes
When using "成人," speakers often imply legal or social maturity. It is common to see it in formal contexts, such as legal documents or official announcements. Be careful not to confuse "成人" with "大人" (おとな), which also means adult but can be used more broadly and casually.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "成人" with "大人." Remember, "成人" emphasizes legal adulthood, while "大人" can refer to maturity or simply an adult person in everyday conversation.