131
若
Young, Youth
わか.い (waka-i), も.しくは (mo-shikuwa)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The Japanese word 若い(わかい) is normally translated as “young,” but it can also describe something that feels inexperienced, immature, or not yet fully developed. For example, 考えが若い can mean “your thinking is immature.” This gives 若 an interesting range: it can describe someone's age, but also the freshness or lack of experience associated with youth.
Memory Trick
“🌱 The YOUNG (若) Grass(艹) is stubborn and determined to grow RIGHT (右) side of road!” — 若 = YOUNG / YOUTH
Readings
Onyomi: ジャク (jaku), ニャク (nyaku)
Kunyomi: わか.い (waka-i), も.しくは (mo-shikuwa)
Example Words
若い
わかい (wakai)
Young
若者
わかもの (wakamono)
Young person
若手
わかて (wakate)
Young professional
若干
じゃっかん (jakkan)
A few, Slightly
Example Sentence
彼は まだ 若いです。
かれは まだ わかいです。
kare wa mada wakai desu
He is still young.