1.
marriageable age
The age considered socially appropriate for getting married. Most commonly used in the phrase 結婚適齢期.
結婚適齢期を過ぎた。
I've passed the marriageable age.
適齢期になっても結婚しない人が増えている。
More and more people are not getting married even when they reach the typical age.
娘が適齢期なので、親としては少し心配している。
Since my daughter is at the marriageable age, I worry a little as a parent.
2.
right age; appropriate age (for something)
More broadly, the appropriate or optimal age for a particular activity or life stage.
出産適齢期。
Optimal age for childbearing.
入学適齢期の子ども。
A child of school-entry age.
予防接種の適齢期は生後二か月からです。
The appropriate age for vaccination is from two months after birth.
WORD FORMATION:
適齢 (appropriate age) + 期 (period). The word literally means 'the period of appropriate age.'
CULTURAL NOTE:
The concept of 結婚適齢期 has been a topic of social discussion in Japan. Traditional expectations placed this in the late 20s, but changing social norms mean the concept is increasingly seen as outdated. It remains commonly used, though sometimes with irony.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 結婚適齢期 (marriageable age)
- 出産適齢期 (childbearing age)
- 適齢期を迎える (to reach the right age)
- 適齢期を過ぎる (to pass the appropriate age)