成年(せいねん)

せいねん
noun
adulthood, legal age
1. adulthood, legal age, majority
The age at which a person is legally considered an adult with full rights and responsibilities.
日本(にほん)では成年(せいねん)は18歳(さい)だ。
In Japan, the age of majority is 18.
[Note: Changed from 20 to 18 in 2022]
成年(せいねん)に達(たっ)すると選挙権(せんきょけん)が得(え)られる。
When you reach adulthood, you gain the right to vote.
成年(せいねん)後見人(こうけんにん)が必要(ひつよう)な場合(ばあい)もある。
There are cases where an adult guardian is needed.

成年(せいねん) is a legal term referring to the age of majority. In Japan, this was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022.

COMMON TERMS:

  • 成年(せいねん)に達(たっ)する: to reach adulthood
  • 成年(せいねん)後見(こうけん)制度(せいど): adult guardianship system
  • 成年(せいねん)後見人(こうけんにん): adult guardian

OPPOSITE:

  • 未成年(みせいねん): minor, underage person

NOTE: This is a homophone with 青年(せいねん) (young person, youth).

Related Words

Antonym: 未成年(みせいねん) (minor)
Related: 青年(せいねん) (young person)
general
Added 2026.1.13 8:49 · Revised 2026.2.9 11:43
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