17
青春

Youth


Meaning

Youth, Adolescence, Springtime Of One's Life

Word Type

noun, verbal noun, の adjective

Explanation

The time of young spring for humans is really just their youth. Just like plants in spring, your adolescence is when you start growing to your full potential! You might even say it's the springtime of one's life. This generally refers to the period when you’re an energetic teenager and young adult. It can have connotations of exhilarating experiences and bittersweet feelings, as well as nostalgic memories.


Reading

せいしゅん

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You haven't learned the on'yomi for 春 yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you: Don't let your youth go to waste, because it will be over soon (しゅん)!


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 青春時代

    the springtime of one's life

    青春映画

    a teen film

    青春ドラマ

    a teen TV drama, a coming-of-age drama

  • 青春の1ページ

    a page out of one's youth

    青春の思い出

    memories of one's youth

    青春の日々

    the days of one's youth

  • 青春をする

    to engage in youthful activity

    青春を楽しむ

    to enjoy the pleasures of youth

    青春をエンジョイする

    to enjoy the pleasures of youth

  • 自分の青春

    one's own youth

    大人の青春

    second prime in one's life, reliving of youth

    それぞれの青春

    each person's youth

  • かけがえのない青春

    irreplaceable youth

    楽しい青春

    joyful youth

    ほろ苦い青春

    bittersweet youth

Context Sentences

これは青春時代の思い出の写真です。

This is a photo that captures the springtime of my life.

まさに青春の1ページって感じだね!

It's just like a page out of our youth!

エミ、めっちゃ青春してるじゃん!

Emi, you're fully relishing your youth!


Kanji Composition