幼児(ようじ)

ようじ
noun
infant, young child, toddler
formalperson
1. infant, young child, toddler
A child roughly between the ages of 1 and 6, from the time they can walk until they enter elementary school. In Japanese law and education, 幼児(ようじ) specifically refers to children from age 1 to school entry.
幼児(ようじ)向(む)けの絵本(えほん)を買(か)った。
I bought a picture book for young children.
幼児(ようじ)教育(きょういく)の重要性(じゅうようせい)が注目(ちゅうもく)されている。
The importance of early childhood education is getting attention.
このプールには幼児(ようじ)でも安全(あんぜん)に遊(あそ)べる浅(あさ)いエリアがある。
This pool has a shallow area where even toddlers can play safely.

Usage

Distinguish from related age terms: 乳児(にゅうじ) (infant, under 1 year), 幼児(ようじ) (toddler/young child, roughly 1-6), 児童(じどう) (child, elementary school age). 幼児(ようじ) is a slightly formal or official term; in everyday conversation, 小(ちい)さい子(こ) (small child) is more natural.

Common collocations

  • 幼児(ようじ)教育(きょういく): early childhood education
  • 幼児(ようじ)向(む)け: aimed at young children
  • 幼児(ようじ)期(き): early childhood period
  • 幼児(ようじ)虐待(ぎゃくたい): child abuse (of young children)

Related Words

Related: 乳児(にゅうじ) (infant (under 1))
Related: 児童(じどう) (child (school age))
Compare: 赤ん坊 (baby)
Compare: 小児(しょうに) (child)
Compare: 就学前(しゅうがくまえ) (preschool age)
general
Added 2026.2.21 19:32 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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