1.
prime of life; vigorous middle age
The period of life when a person is at peak physical and mental vigor, roughly corresponding to the 30s through 50s. Carries a positive connotation of strength and maturity.
After entering middle age, you come to appreciate the importance of physical fitness.
Compound of 壮 (vigorous, robust) and 年 (year, age). Unlike 中年 (middle age), which can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, 壮年 emphasizes vigor and capability.
Age stages in japanese
- 青年 — youth; young adult (roughly teens to 20s)
- 壮年 — prime of life (roughly 30s to 50s)
- 中年 — middle age (roughly 40s to 50s; overlaps with 壮年 but less positive)
- 老年 — old age (roughly 60s and beyond)
Common collocations
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Somewhat formal and literary. In everyday speech, 中年 or specific age references are more common.