Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Adult" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "adult", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おとな
おとな (otona)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
成人
せいじん (seijin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "adult" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おとな and 成人.
In Japanese, おとな (おとな (otona)) is typically associated with "adult" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to a mature person. Often contrasted with 子供.
On the other hand, 成人 (せいじん (seijin)) maps to "adult, full age" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun referring to a person who has reached the age of majority. A literal translation of "adult" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おとな"
彼はおとなのふりをした。
He pretended to be an adult.
Bilingual Context for "成人"
日本では20歳で成人になります。
In Japan, you become an adult at 20 years old.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ のふりをした。" (Meaning: "He pretended to be an adult.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おとな" fits here because it means "adult" in the context of: "He pretended to be an adult.". "成人" represents "adult, full age".