When talking about young children in Japanese, you'll often hear the word 幼児 (yōji). This noun specifically refers to an infant or toddler, typically a child between the ages of one and four or five years old.
Think of it as covering the stage where a child is no longer a newborn but hasn't quite reached school age yet. It's a very common and practical word to know if you're discussing families or children in Japanese.
When talking about young children in Japanese, you might come across a few different terms. 幼児 (yōji) specifically refers to an infant or toddler, generally from when they start walking up to about school age. It's more formal than just saying こども (kodomo, child) and implies a very young child who still needs a lot of care. You'll often see this term used in official contexts, like for daycare or early childhood education programs.
§ What 幼児 Means
The Japanese word 幼児 (yōji) directly translates to 'infant' or 'toddler' in English. It refers to a very young child, typically before they start elementary school. In Japan, this generally means children from about one year old up to around six years old, which aligns with the age range for kindergarten or preschool.
- DEFINITION
- 幼児 (yōji): Infant; toddler.
When you hear or read 幼児, think of a child who is still in the early stages of development. They might be walking and talking, but they're definitely not yet attending formal schooling like elementary school. It's a broad term that covers babies who are no longer newborns and children who are not yet school-aged.
§ When to Use 幼児
You'll encounter 幼児 in various contexts, especially when discussing children's health, education, or general well-being. It's a standard term used by parents, educators, and in official documents. Here are some common situations where 幼児 is used:
- When talking about young children in a general sense.
- In discussions about childcare facilities, like 保育園 (hoikuen - nursery school) or 幼稚園 (yōchien - kindergarten).
- Referring to children's products or services designed for this age group.
- In medical contexts, when discussing the health and development of young children.
公園にはたくさんの幼児が遊んでいます。
Hint: Many toddlers are playing in the park.
幼児向けの絵本は人気があります。
Hint: Picture books for infants/toddlers are popular.
§ Important Nuances and Similar Words
While 幼児 clearly means 'infant' or 'toddler,' it's helpful to understand how it compares to other words for children in Japanese:
- 赤ちゃん (akachan): This word specifically means 'baby' or 'newborn.' It typically refers to children from birth up to about one year old. So, an 赤ちゃん eventually becomes an 幼児.
- 子供 (kodomo): This is a general term for 'child' and can refer to anyone from a baby to a teenager. 幼児 is a specific type of 子供.
- 児童 (jidō): This term usually refers to children of elementary school age (typically 6-12 years old). So, an 幼児 grows up to become a 児童.
Understanding these distinctions will help you use 幼児 correctly and avoid confusion. For example, if you're talking about a baby who is just a few months old, 赤ちゃん is more appropriate than 幼児. But if you're talking about a two-year-old, 幼児 is perfect.
§ Practical Application
When you're speaking Japanese, using the correct term for a child's age group shows precision and understanding. If you're visiting Japan and need to ask about facilities for very young children, using 幼児 is key.
幼児向けの遊び場はどこですか？
Hint: Where is the playground for infants/toddlers?
Remember, mastering vocabulary like 幼児 isn't just about memorizing a definition; it's about understanding its place within the Japanese language and culture. Pay attention to the context, and you'll use it naturally in no time.
§ Understanding 幼児 (Yōji)
Let's break down how to use 幼児 (yōji), which means 'infant' or 'toddler' in Japanese. This word refers to very young children, generally from around 1 to 6 years old, before they enter elementary school. It's a formal and somewhat technical term, often used in official contexts, medical settings, or when discussing children in a general sense.
- Meaning
- Infant; toddler. Refers to children typically from one year old up to school age (around six).
§ Basic Usage
You can use 幼児 directly as a noun. It doesn't need any special particles for its basic meaning when it's the subject or object of a sentence.
公園にはたくさんの幼児が遊んでいた。
- Translation hint
- There were many toddlers playing in the park.
その幼稚園は幼児教育に力を入れている。
- Translation hint
- That kindergarten focuses on early childhood education.
§ Using with particles
Like most nouns, 幼児 can be followed by various particles to show its grammatical function in a sentence.
- 幼児が (yōji ga): Marks 幼児 as the subject.
幼児が泣き始めた。
- Translation hint
- The toddler started crying.
- 幼児を (yōji o): Marks 幼児 as the direct object.
彼女は幼児を抱っこした。
- Translation hint
- She hugged the infant.
- 幼児の (yōji no): Shows possession or modification (e.g., 'toddler's toys', 'toddler-related issues').
幼児のおもちゃがたくさんある。
- Translation hint
- There are many toddler's toys (or toys for toddlers).
- 幼児に (yōji ni): Can indicate an indirect object, a recipient, or sometimes a location/time for actions related to 幼児.
幼児に絵本を読んであげた。
- Translation hint
- I read a picture book to the toddler.
§ Compound words with 幼児
幼児 is often used in compound words, especially in fields like education, childcare, and health.
- 幼児期 (yōjiki): Early childhood.
人間の発達において、幼児期は非常に重要だ。
- Translation hint
- In human development, early childhood is very important.
- 幼児教育 (yōji kyōiku): Early childhood education.
この施設は幼児教育に特化している。
- Translation hint
- This facility specializes in early childhood education.
- 幼児食 (yōjishoku): Food for infants/toddlers.
スーパーで幼児食を買った。
- Translation hint
- I bought baby food (or toddler food) at the supermarket.
Understanding 幼児 will help you navigate formal discussions about young children in Japanese. Remember its range and the contexts where it's most commonly used!
§ Understanding the Age Range of 幼児
The Japanese word 幼児 (yōji) generally refers to an infant or toddler. However, pinpointing the exact age range can be tricky for English speakers, as the concept might differ slightly from terms like "baby," "toddler," or "preschooler" in English. In Japan, 幼児 typically applies to children from around one year old up to about six years old, before they enter elementary school. It's not for newborns or very young babies (乳児 - nyūji), and it's also not for elementary school children (児童 - jidō).
幼児の安全を確保するために、ベビーゲートを設置しました。
We installed a baby gate to ensure the safety of the toddler.
§ Confusing 幼児 with 赤ちゃん (Akachan) or 子供 (Kodomo)
A common mistake is using 幼児 interchangeably with 赤ちゃん (akachan) or 子供 (kodomo). While there's some overlap, these words have distinct uses:
- 赤ちゃん (Akachan): This specifically refers to a baby, typically from birth up to around one year old. Think of it as an "infant" or "newborn."
- 幼児 (Yōji): As discussed, this is for toddlers and preschoolers, roughly ages 1-6.
- 子供 (Kodomo): This is a very general term for "child" and can refer to anyone from a baby to a teenager. It's the broadest term.
- Wrong Usage Example
- 生後3ヶ月の幼児が寝ています。(A 3-month-old 幼児 is sleeping.) This is incorrect because a 3-month-old would be an 赤ちゃん.
- Correct Usage Example
- 生後3ヶ月の赤ちゃんが寝ています。(A 3-month-old baby is sleeping.)
彼女は幼児向けの絵本を読んでいます。
She is reading a picture book for toddlers.
§ Using 幼児 in Formal vs. Casual Contexts
While 幼児 is a perfectly valid and common word, it tends to be used more in slightly formal or official contexts, such as educational discussions, medical reports, or public notices about children's facilities. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might often opt for more informal terms or simply use 子供. For example, a parent might say うちの子 (uchi no ko - my child) or 子供たち (kodomotachi - children) instead of 幼児 when talking about their own kids.
- Formal Example
- この施設は幼児の利用を想定しています。(This facility is intended for use by toddlers/preschoolers.)
- Casual Alternative
- この公園は小さい子供が遊ぶのに良いよ。(This park is good for small children to play in.)
幼児教育は非常に重要です。
Early childhood education is very important.
Understanding these nuances will help you use 幼児 correctly and sound more natural when speaking Japanese. Pay attention to the age context and the formality of the situation.
§ Understanding 幼児 (Yōji)
The Japanese word 幼児 (yōji) directly translates to "infant" or "toddler." It refers to children typically between the ages of one and six, before they enter elementary school. It's a formal and common term used in everyday conversation, official documents, and child-rearing contexts.
- Japanese Word
- 幼児 (yōji)
- Definition
- Infant; toddler.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Examples of 幼児 in Use
その公園にはたくさんの幼児が遊んでいた。
Translation hint: Many toddlers were playing in that park.
幼児向けのおもちゃを探しています。
Translation hint: I'm looking for toys for infants.
彼はまだ幼児なので、目を離さないでください。
Translation hint: He is still an infant, so please don't take your eyes off him.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 幼児
When talking about young children in Japanese, you'll encounter a few different words. While 幼児 (yōji) is a solid general term, understanding its nuances compared to others will help you sound more natural.
- 赤ちゃん (akachan): This is probably the first word many learners encounter for "baby." 赤ちゃん specifically refers to infants, typically from newborn up to around one year old. It carries a strong nuance of cuteness and vulnerability. You would use 赤ちゃん for a crying baby, a baby in a stroller, or a baby needing feeding.
かわいい赤ちゃんが寝ている。
Translation hint: A cute baby is sleeping.
- 子供 (kodomo): This is the broadest term for "child" and can refer to anyone from a baby to a teenager. If you're unsure which specific term to use, 子供 is usually a safe bet, but it's less specific than 幼児 or 赤ちゃん.
公園でたくさんの子供たちが遊んでいる。
Translation hint: Many children are playing in the park.
- 未就学児 (mishūgakuji): This term literally means "pre-school age child." It is very similar in meaning to 幼児 but is often used in more official or administrative contexts, such as describing eligibility for certain programs or services. It emphasizes the fact that the child has not yet started formal schooling.
未就学児は入場無料です。
Translation hint: Pre-school children enter for free.
In summary, while there's some overlap, each term has a slightly different focus:
- 赤ちゃん (akachan): Newborn to about 1 year old. Focus on infancy and cuteness.
- 幼児 (yōji): 1 to 6 years old (pre-school). Focus on the toddler/preschooler stage.
- 子供 (kodomo): Broad term for any child. General use.
- 未就学児 (mishūgakuji): Pre-school age, often in official contexts.
Choose 幼児 when you want to specifically refer to a young child who is past the infancy stage but has not yet started elementary school. It's a standard, neutral term for this age group.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Two common kanji, straightforward to read.
Simple kanji to write.
Common word, easy to pronounce.
Clear pronunciation, easily recognizable.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
幼児が公園で遊んでいます。
The infant is playing in the park.
彼女はかわいい幼児です。
She is a cute toddler.
その幼児は歩き始めました。
That toddler started walking.
幼児がお母さんの手を引いています。
The infant is holding their mother's hand.
幼児はよく眠ります。
Infants sleep well.
幼児用の服を買いました。
I bought clothes for infants.
幼児向けの本があります。
There are books for toddlers.
あの幼児は元気です。
That toddler is energetic.
幼児向けの安全なおもちゃを選びましょう。
Choose safe toys for toddlers.
向けの (muke no) indicates something is 'for' or 'aimed at' a particular group.
その幼児は楽しそうに遊んでいた。
The infant was playing happily.
楽しそうに (tanoshisou ni) means 'happily' or 'as if having fun'.
公園には多くの幼児と親がいた。
There were many toddlers and parents in the park.
多くの (ōku no) means 'many'.
彼女は幼児教育の専門家です。
She is an expert in early childhood education.
専門家 (senmonka) means 'expert'.
このクラスは幼児向けです。
This class is for infants/toddlers.
向けです (muke desu) means 'it is for'.
彼の夢は幼児の教師になることです。
His dream is to become a teacher for young children.
〜になること (ni naru koto) means 'to become'.
その博物館には幼児が楽しめるエリアがあります。
That museum has an area where toddlers can enjoy themselves.
〜が楽しめる (ga tanoshimeru) means 'can enjoy'.
幼児は早く言葉を覚えます。
Toddlers learn words quickly.
早く (hayaku) means 'quickly'.
その母親は幼児の手をしっかり握って、道路を渡った。
The mother firmly held the toddler's hand and crossed the road.
公園では多くの幼児が遊具で楽しそうに遊んでいた。
Many infants were happily playing on the playground equipment in the park.
夜泣きがひどい幼児を抱える親は、睡眠不足になりがちだ。
Parents with infants who cry a lot at night tend to suffer from lack of sleep.
この絵本は幼児向けに作られているので、とても分かりやすい。
This picture book is made for toddlers, so it's very easy to understand.
新しい保育園には、幼児が安全に遊べる広いスペースがある。
The new nursery school has a large space where infants can play safely.
彼女は幼児教育の専門家として、多くの子どもたちを指導してきた。
As an expert in early childhood education, she has guided many children.
幼児期は人間の成長において非常に重要な時期である。
Infancy is a very important period in human growth.
スーパーで駄々をこねる幼児を見て、自分の子どもの頃を思い出した。
Seeing a toddler throwing a tantrum at the supermarket reminded me of my own childhood.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
この幼児はとても元気です。
This toddler is very energetic.
幼児が公園で遊んでいます。
Toddlers are playing in the park.
幼児向けの絵本を読みます。
I read picture books for toddlers.
彼女は幼児を育てています。
She is raising an infant/toddler.
幼児の安全が最優先です。
The safety of infants/toddlers is the top priority.
その幼児は眠っています。
That infant/toddler is sleeping.
幼児用の座席が必要です。
An infant/toddler seat is needed.
幼児の成長は早いです。
Infant/toddler growth is fast.
幼児の健康診断を受けました。
I had a health check-up for my toddler.
幼児でもわかる言葉で説明してください。
Please explain in words that even a toddler can understand.
So verwendest du es
「幼児」（ようじ）refers to a very young child, typically between the ages of one to six years old. It's a general term often used in official contexts like daycare or medical settings, but also in everyday conversation. It implies a child who is no longer an infant (乳児 - にゅうじ) but not yet a school-aged child (児童 - じどう).
A common mistake is confusing 幼児 with 子供 (こども - child). While 幼児 is a type of 子供, 子供 is a much broader term that can refer to anyone under 18, or even metaphorically to someone immature. Use 幼児 when you specifically mean a toddler or preschooler. Another mistake is using it interchangeably with 赤ちゃん (あかちゃん - baby), which typically refers to an infant before they start walking or talking much.
Tipps
Learn the Kanji for 幼児
The kanji for 幼児 are 幼 (yō), meaning infancy or childhood, and 児 (ji), meaning child. Understanding the individual kanji can help you remember the meaning of the combined word.
幼児 vs. 子供
While both 幼児 and 子供 (kodomo) mean child, 幼児 specifically refers to an infant or toddler, typically from birth to around age 4 or 5. 子供 is a more general term for child, encompassing a wider age range.
Use with age-specific contexts
You'll often hear 幼児 used in contexts related to daycare, early childhood education, or when discussing the developmental stages of very young children. For example, 幼児教育 (yōji kyōiku) means early childhood education.
Practice with common phrases
Try to incorporate 幼児 into simple sentences. For example: 「この公園には幼児用の遊び場があります。」 (Kono kōen ni wa yōji-yō no asobiba ga arimasu.) - This park has a playground for toddlers.
Listen for it in daily conversations
Pay attention to how native speakers use 幼児 in conversations, especially if you're around young children. This will help you get a feel for its natural usage.
Combine with other vocabulary
Practice combining 幼児 with other relevant vocabulary. For instance, 「幼児服」 (yōji fuku) means infant clothes, and 「幼児期」 (yōjiki) means infancy or toddlerhood.
Don't confuse with 赤ちゃん (akachan)
赤ちゃん (akachan) specifically means baby, usually referring to a newborn or a very young infant. 幼児 has a slightly broader range, covering toddlers as well. While there can be overlap, remember the nuance.
Understanding age stages in Japan
In Japan, there are clear distinctions for different age groups. Knowing terms like 幼児 helps you understand these classifications, which are important in various social and educational contexts.
Flashcard practice for 幼児
Create flashcards for 幼児. On one side, write 幼児. On the other, write infant; toddler, and a short example sentence to reinforce its meaning and usage.
Visual association with 幼児
When you think of 幼児, try to visualize a small child, perhaps playing or exploring. This visual association can help cement the word in your memory.
Teste dich selbst 90 Fragen
公園で___が遊んでいます。(Kōen de ___ ga asonde imasu.)
The sentence means 'Infants/toddlers are playing in the park.' '幼児' fits the context of playing in a park.
その___はとても小さいです。(Sono ___ wa totemo chiisai desu.)
The sentence means 'That infant/toddler is very small.' '幼児' is a good fit here.
お母さんが___を抱っこしています。(Okāsan ga ___ o dakko shite imasu.)
The sentence means 'The mother is holding the infant/toddler.' '幼児' is what a mother would typically hold.
___はたくさん寝ます。(___ wa takusan nemasu.)
The sentence means 'Infants/toddlers sleep a lot.' This is a common characteristic of '幼児'.
私の弟はまだ___です。(Watashi no otōto wa mada ___ desu.)
The sentence means 'My younger brother is still an infant/toddler.' This implies he is very young.
___の遊び場はあそこです。(___ no asobiba wa asoko desu.)
The sentence means 'The infant/toddler's playground is over there.' '幼児' are the ones who use a playground.
Which of these is likely an 幼児 (yōji)?
幼児 (yōji) refers to an infant or toddler, typically a very young child.
You see a very small child in a stroller. What would be an appropriate Japanese word to describe them?
幼児 (yōji) is the correct term for an infant or toddler.
Which English word best describes 幼児 (yōji)?
幼児 (yōji) directly translates to infant or toddler.
幼児 (yōji) can be used to describe a college student.
幼児 (yōji) specifically refers to a very young child, like an infant or toddler, not a college student.
A park with a playground for small children might have a sign mentioning 幼児 (yōji).
Since 幼児 (yōji) means infant or toddler, it's appropriate for signs related to young children's areas.
If someone is 幼児 (yōji), they are probably old enough to drive a car.
幼児 (yōji) are infants or toddlers, who are far too young to drive a car.
Write a short sentence describing a baby using the word 「幼児」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この幼児は小さいです。 (This infant is small.)
Use 「幼児」 in a sentence about a parent with a young child.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お母さんは幼児と遊びます。 (The mother plays with the toddler.)
Describe a common activity for a toddler using 「幼児」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
幼児はよく寝ます。 (Toddlers often sleep.)
What is the passage about?
Read this passage:
これは私の幼児です。とても元気です。たくさん食べます。
What is the passage about?
The passage says 「これは私の幼児です。とても元気です。」 which means 'This is my infant. Very energetic.'
The passage says 「これは私の幼児です。とても元気です。」 which means 'This is my infant. Very energetic.'
What are the toddlers doing in the park?
Read this passage:
公園に幼児がたくさんいます。みんな笑っています。
What are the toddlers doing in the park?
The passage states 「みんな笑っています。」 which translates to 'Everyone is laughing.'
The passage states 「みんな笑っています。」 which translates to 'Everyone is laughing.'
What does the passage say about the toddler?
Read this passage:
あの幼児は小さいです。まだ歩けません。
What does the passage say about the toddler?
The sentence 「まだ歩けません。」 means 'Cannot walk yet.'
The sentence 「まだ歩けません。」 means 'Cannot walk yet.'
公園で___が遊んでいます。(Kouen de ___ ga asonde imasu.)
The sentence means '___ are playing in the park.' '幼児' (yōji) means infant/toddler, which fits the context of playing in a park.
彼女は___の世話をしています。(Kanojo wa ___ no sewa o shite imasu.)
The sentence means 'She is taking care of a/an ___.' '幼児' (yōji) fits as something one would take care of.
その___はとてもかわいいです。(Sono ___ wa totemo kawaii desu.)
The sentence means 'That ___ is very cute.' '幼児' (yōji) fits the description of being cute.
___向けの絵本を読んでいます。(___ muke no ehon o yonde imasu.)
The sentence means 'I am reading a picture book for ___.' Picture books are typically for infants/toddlers ('幼児').
デパートには___服売り場があります。(Depāto ni wa ___ fuku uriba ga arimasu.)
The sentence means 'There is a ___ clothing section in the department store.' '幼児' (yōji) fits as a type of clothing section (infant/toddler clothes).
母親が___を抱っこしています。(Hahaoya ga ___ o dakko shite imasu.)
The sentence means 'The mother is holding a/an ___.' '幼児' (yōji) fits the context of a mother holding her child.
Choose the correct kanji for 'infant' or 'toddler'.
幼児 (yōji) specifically refers to an infant or toddler. The other options are either not standard words or have different nuances.
Which sentence correctly uses 幼児?
幼児 refers to a young child. 'その幼児は公園で遊んでいます。' (Sono yōji wa kōen de asonde imasu.) means 'That toddler is playing in the park.'
What is the most appropriate English translation for 「幼児教育」?
幼児 (yōji) means infant/toddler, and 教育 (kyōiku) means education. Therefore, 幼児教育 (yōji kyōiku) translates to infant education or early childhood education.
「幼児」 refers to an adult.
「幼児」 (yōji) means infant or toddler, which is a young child, not an adult.
You would use 「幼児」 to describe a baby.
「幼児」 (yōji) is appropriate for describing a baby or a very young child.
「幼児」 is generally used for children older than 10 years old.
「幼児」 (yōji) refers to infants and toddlers, typically children under the age of 6 or 7, not older than 10.
The infant is very cute.
Toddlers are playing in the park.
There are many infants in this class.
Read this aloud:
幼児向けの絵本を買いました。
Focus: ようじ (yōji)
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
あの幼児はすぐに寝ます。
Focus: ようじは (yōji wa)
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
幼児が泣いています。
Focus: ないています (naite imasu)
Du hast gesagt:
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Write a short sentence describing a young child playing in a park.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
幼児が公園で楽しそうに遊んでいます。
Imagine you see a mother with her infant. Write a sentence about what the infant is doing.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お母さんは幼児を抱っこしています。
Write a sentence about a small child learning to walk.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
幼児は歩くことを学んでいます。
写真に写っている幼児について、正しい説明はどれですか？
Read this passage:
これは私の家族の写真です。私の妹にはかわいい幼児がいます。その幼児はいつも元気に笑っています。
写真に写っている幼児について、正しい説明はどれですか？
文章に「私の妹にはかわいい幼児がいます」と書かれています。
文章に「私の妹にはかわいい幼児がいます」と書かれています。
幼児たちはどこで遊んでいますか？
Read this passage:
公園で、多くの幼児が砂場で遊んでいます。彼らはとても楽しそうです。
幼児たちはどこで遊んでいますか？
文章に「多くの幼児が砂場で遊んでいます」と書かれています。
文章に「多くの幼児が砂場で遊んでいます」と書かれています。
この本は誰のために書かれていますか？
Read this passage:
この本は幼児向けに書かれています。絵がたくさんあって、とても読みやすいです。
この本は誰のために書かれていますか？
文章に「この本は幼児向けに書かれています」と書かれています。
文章に「この本は幼児向けに書かれています」と書かれています。
公園で___が元気に遊んでいます。(Kōen de ___ ga genki ni asonde imasu.)
The sentence talks about children playing energetically in the park, so '幼児' (infant/toddler) is the most appropriate word.
その___はまだ歩けません。(Sono ___ wa mada arukemasen.)
The sentence states that 'it' cannot walk yet, which typically refers to a very young human, making '幼児' (infant/toddler) the correct choice.
彼女は___向けの絵本を読んでいます。(Kanojo wa ___ muke no ehon o yonde imasu.)
The sentence says she is reading a picture book 'for ___', and picture books are typically for '幼児' (infants/toddlers).
___はすぐに疲れて眠ってしまいます。(___ wa sugu ni tsukarete nemutte shimaimasu.)
The sentence implies someone who gets tired and falls asleep quickly, which is characteristic of '幼児' (infants/toddlers).
この部屋は___のために安全に設計されています。(Kono heya wa ___ no tame ni anzen ni sekkei sarete imasu.)
The room is designed for safety, which is especially important for '幼児' (infants/toddlers).
___の健康のために、新鮮な空気が大切です。(___ no kenkō no tame ni, shinsen na kūki ga taisetsu desu.)
Fresh air is important for the health of '幼児' (infants/toddlers).
The infant is very cute, isn't he/she?
Infants/toddlers playing in the park.
I am reading a picture book for infants/toddlers.
Read this aloud:
彼女は幼児教育の専門家です。
Focus: ようじ (yōji)
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Read this aloud:
このクラスは幼児が対象です。
Focus: たいしょう (taishō)
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Read this aloud:
幼児の安全には特に注意が必要です。
Focus: あんぜん (anzen)
Du hast gesagt:
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公園で遊んでいる___はとても元気です。
The sentence is talking about energetic young children playing in the park. '幼児' (yōji) means infant or toddler, which fits the context best. '成人' means adult, '老人' means elderly person, and '少年' means boy.
彼女は___向けの絵本をデザインしています。
The sentence indicates that she is designing picture books for a specific age group. '幼児' (yōji) means infant or toddler, and picture books are typically designed for this age group. '学生' means student, '大人' means adult, and '専門家' means expert.
その保育園では、___の世話をしています。
A nursery school ('保育園' hoikuen) is a place where young children are cared for. '幼児' (yōji) means infant or toddler, which perfectly matches the context. '高齢者' means elderly person, '中学生' means junior high school student, and '高校生' means high school student.
___は新しいことをすぐに覚えます。
The sentence describes someone who learns new things quickly. '幼児' (yōji), meaning infant or toddler, is known for their rapid learning ability. '大人' means adult, '青年' means youth, and '壮年' means prime of life.
___が走り回るのを見て、誰もが笑顔になった。
The action of 'running around' and making everyone smile strongly suggests young children. '幼児' (yōji) means infant or toddler, which fits perfectly. '高齢者' means elderly person, 'ビジネスマン' means businessman, and 'OL' refers to an office lady.
このおもちゃは___向けに作られています。
The sentence states that the toy is made for a certain group. Toys are commonly made for '幼児' (yōji), meaning infants or toddlers. '大人' means adult, 'ティーンエイジャー' means teenager, and '大学生' means university student.
公園で遊んでいる___たちの笑い声が聞こえる。
文脈から、公園で遊んでいて笑い声が聞こえるのは「幼児」が最も適切です。学生、大人、老人は一般的ではありません。
その保育園では、3歳までの___を預かっています。
3歳までという年齢制限から、「幼児」が最も適切な選択肢です。生徒は学校に通う子供、児童は小学生を指すことが多く、子供は広範な意味を持ちます。
母親は、___を抱きかかえて優しくあやしていた。
母親が優しく抱きかかえてあやす対象として、「幼児」が自然です。
___向けの絵本は、色鮮やかなものが人気だ。
絵本は主に幼い子供向けのものであり、特に色鮮やかなものは「幼児」に人気があります。
デパートの___用品売り場は、いつも賑わっている。
子供向けの品物を指す場合、「幼児用品」が一般的な表現です。
健康診断の結果、その___は成長が著しいと評価された。
著しい成長が見られるのは主に「幼児」期であるため、この文脈に最も適しています。
Imagine you are a childcare worker. Describe a typical day looking after 幼児. Include details about their activities, feeding, and napping. Use polite Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は保育士です。朝は幼児たちを迎え、一緒に遊ぶことから一日が始まります。午前中はおやつを食べたり、絵本を読んだりします。お昼ごはんの後はお昼寝の時間です。午後は外で遊んだり、歌を歌ったりして過ごします。夕方には保護者の方がお迎えに来られます。
Write a short paragraph about the challenges and joys of raising 幼児, from the perspective of a parent. What are some memorable moments?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
幼児を育てるのは本当に大変ですが、毎日が新しい発見と喜びに満ちています。言葉を覚えたり、初めて歩いたりする瞬間は忘れられません。時には言うことを聞かないこともありますが、その無邪気な笑顔を見ると全てが報われます。親として、彼らの成長を見守ることが何よりも幸せです。
You are writing a news report about a new facility designed for 幼児. Describe the features of the facility and why it is beneficial for their development.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しい幼児向け施設「すくすくランド」がオープンしました。この施設は、幼児の安全と発達を最優先に考えた設計が特徴です。広々とした遊び場には、知育玩具や運動器具が豊富に用意されており、専門の保育士が常駐しています。これにより、幼児たちは安全な環境で楽しく遊びながら、心身ともに健やかに成長することができます。保護者からも大きな期待が寄せられています。
この子育て支援センターでできることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
子育て支援センターでは、幼児の親が情報交換をしたり、育児相談をしたりする場を提供しています。専門家による子育て講座も定期的に開催されており、多くの親が利用しています。幼児の成長段階に応じた遊び方や、しつけのヒントなども学ぶことができます。
この子育て支援センターでできることは何ですか？
文章の冒頭に「幼児の親が情報交換をしたり、育児相談をしたりする場を提供しています」と明記されています。
文章の冒頭に「幼児の親が情報交換をしたり、育児相談をしたりする場を提供しています」と明記されています。
幼児が泣いた理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
公園で遊んでいた幼児が、突然泣き出して母親の元へ走って行きました。どうやら、友達に持っていたおもちゃを取られてしまったようです。母親は優しく幼児を抱きしめ、なぜ泣いているのかを尋ねました。その後、母親は友達と幼児の間に入り、穏やかに話し合いを促しました。
幼児が泣いた理由は何ですか？
文章中に「どうやら、友達に持っていたおもちゃを取られてしまったようです」と書かれています。
文章中に「どうやら、友達に持っていたおもちゃを取られてしまったようです」と書かれています。
幼児期に質の高い教育を受けることの利点として、文章中で述べられていることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
ある研究によると、幼児期に質の高い教育を受けることは、将来の学力や社会性の発達に大きく影響するとされています。特に、遊びを通して学ぶ機会が多い環境は、幼児の創造性や問題解決能力を育む上で非常に重要です。そのため、多くの幼稚園や保育園では、幼児の自主性を尊重したカリキュラムを取り入れています。
幼児期に質の高い教育を受けることの利点として、文章中で述べられていることは何ですか？
文章の冒頭に「幼児期に質の高い教育を受けることは、将来の学力や社会性の発達に大きく影響する」と明記されています。
文章の冒頭に「幼児期に質の高い教育を受けることは、将来の学力や社会性の発達に大きく影響する」と明記されています。
This phrase describes 'infants playing in the park.' The particle で indicates the location of the action. 遊ぶ is the verb 'to play' modifying 幼児たち, 'infants.'
This sentence means 'That toddler cannot speak yet.' その means 'that', 幼児は is 'the toddler (topic)', まだ means 'yet', 言葉を is 'words (object)', and 話せない is 'cannot speak'.
This sentence means 'The mother hugged the toddler.' 母親は is 'the mother (topic)', 幼児を is 'the toddler (object)', and 抱きしめた is 'hugged'.
公園で遊んでいる___たちの笑い声が聞こえる。
文脈から、公園で遊ぶ「小さな子供たち」の笑い声が聞こえるため、「幼児」が適切です。
その保育園では、___の安全を最優先に考えている。
保育園は主に未就学の子供たちを預かる場所なので、「幼児」が最も適切な選択肢です。
___向けの絵本は、色鮮やかで分かりやすいものが人気だ。
絵本は一般的に小さな子供向けに作られているため、「幼児」が正しいです。
彼女は___教育の専門家として、子育てに関する講演を行っている。
「幼児教育」という言葉があるように、小さな子供の教育に関する専門家であるため、「幼児」が適切です。
デパートの___用品売り場には、おむつやおもちゃが並んでいる。
おむつやおもちゃは、主に小さな子供が使うものなので、「幼児用品」が正しいです。
___は言葉を急速に習得する時期であり、周囲の環境が非常に重要である。
言葉の習得が最も活発な時期は、一般的に幼児期であるため、「幼児」が適切です。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: その___は公園で楽しそうに遊んでいた。
The sentence describes someone playing happily in the park, which best fits a 'toddler' or 'infant'.
Which of the following describes a '幼児'?
幼児 specifically refers to infants and toddlers.
Identify the word that means 'infant' or 'toddler'.
While 赤ちゃん also means baby, 幼児 specifically encompasses infants and toddlers, fitting the definition more broadly.
幼児は一般的に小学校に通っている年齢の子供を指します。
幼児 typically refers to children younger than school age (infants and toddlers). Children attending elementary school would generally be referred to as 小学生 (shougakusei).
夜中に幼児が泣き止まない時、親は不安になることがあります。
It is common for parents to feel anxious when an infant or toddler (幼児) cries incessantly at night.
「幼児」という言葉は、大人の男性を指すために使われます。
「幼児」 (youji) refers to an infant or toddler, not an adult male. An adult male would be referred to as 成人男性 (seijin dansei) or simply 男性 (dansei).
/ 90 correct
Perfect score!
Learn the Kanji for 幼児
The kanji for 幼児 are 幼 (yō), meaning infancy or childhood, and 児 (ji), meaning child. Understanding the individual kanji can help you remember the meaning of the combined word.
幼児 vs. 子供
While both 幼児 and 子供 (kodomo) mean child, 幼児 specifically refers to an infant or toddler, typically from birth to around age 4 or 5. 子供 is a more general term for child, encompassing a wider age range.
Use with age-specific contexts
You'll often hear 幼児 used in contexts related to daycare, early childhood education, or when discussing the developmental stages of very young children. For example, 幼児教育 (yōji kyōiku) means early childhood education.
Practice with common phrases
Try to incorporate 幼児 into simple sentences. For example: 「この公園には幼児用の遊び場があります。」 (Kono kōen ni wa yōji-yō no asobiba ga arimasu.) - This park has a playground for toddlers.
Beispiel
この公園には幼児向けの遊具がある。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr family Wörter
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
