131
若
Young, Youth
わか.い (waka-i), も.しくは (mo-shikuwa)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The famous expression 「若者 (wakamono)」 means 'young people.' In Japan, many companies also celebrate 新入社員 (new employees), who are often called 若手 (wakate), meaning 'young talent.'
Memory Trick
Imagine fresh GRASS growing from the ground. Young plants are full of energy, just like YOUNG people beginning their lives.
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.