(わか)

わかさ
noun
youth; youthfulness
1. youth; youthfulness; the quality of being young
The abstract quality or state of being young. Can refer to physical youthfulness, the energy and spirit of youth, or the inexperience that comes with being young.
(わか)さの秘訣(ひけつ)(なん)ですか。
What is the secret to your youthfulness?
(わか)さゆえの失敗(しっぱい)もある。
There are also mistakes that come from being young.
(わか)さを(たも)つためには、適度(てきど)運動(うんどう)十分(じゅうぶん)睡眠(すいみん)大切(たいせつ)だ。
To maintain youthfulness, moderate exercise and sufficient sleep are important.

The noun form of (わか)い (young), formed with the suffix 〜さ which converts い-adjectives into abstract nouns. This pattern is productive: (つよ)さ (strength), (やさ)しさ (kindness), etc.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (わか)さを(たも)つ: to maintain youthfulness
  • (わか)さの秘訣(ひけつ): the secret to youthfulness
  • (わか)さゆえ: because of youth
  • (わか)さあふれる: brimming with youth

USAGE:
(わか)さ can be viewed positively (vitality, energy, beauty) or with a tinge of condescension ((わか)さゆえの(あやま)ち — mistakes due to youth). The expression (わか)さを(たも)つ is very common in health, beauty, and lifestyle contexts.