1.
young; junior in age
Being younger than others, especially within a group such as a family, class, or team. Often used attributively with の or in compounds.
年少の子ども。
A younger child.
弟は私より三つ年少だ。
My younger brother is three years younger than me.
チームの中で最年少の選手が活躍した。
The youngest player on the team performed well.
USAGE: 年少 means younger or junior in age, most often used attributively with の or inside compounds. It is the antonym of 年長.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 年少組: the younger group (e.g. in kindergarten)
- 年少者: a younger/junior person
- 最年少: the youngest
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 年下: younger — the everyday, colloquial word for someone younger
- 年長: older, senior — the direct antonym
Related Words
Antonym:
年長 (senior in age)