This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 noun 10 min read

青年

qingnian
Examples 青年 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 青年 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 青年 (qīngnián) as a simple noun meaning 'young person.' Think of it as a label for a stage of life. You will mostly see it in the context of '青年旅舍' (Youth Hostel), which is a very useful phrase for travelers. At this stage, don't worry about the deep cultural history; just focus on identifying it as a word for 'young people' in formal contexts. Remember that it is a noun—you are a 青年, you don't 'very 青年.' If you want to say someone is young, use '年轻' (niánqīng) instead. Practice saying '我是青年' (I am a youth) or '他是青年' (He is a youth) to get used to the tones: both characters are in the high, flat first tone (qīng nián).
As an A2 learner, you can start using 青年 to describe groups and simple activities. You might see it in sentences like '青年们喜欢运动' (Young people like sports). You should also recognize it as a modifier for other nouns. For example, '青年学生' (young students) or '青年朋友' (young friends). This is a common way to address a group politely in a speech. You should also be able to distinguish between 青年 (noun) and 年轻 (adjective). If you see a sign that says '青年中心' (Youth Center), you'll know it's a place for people in their late teens and twenties. Start noticing how 青年 sounds more 'official' than the words for 'boy' (男孩) or 'girl' (女孩).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of 青年. It is often used in the media to discuss the 'youth generation' as a whole. You will encounter it in news stories about '青年就业' (youth employment) or '青年创业' (youth entrepreneurship). You should be comfortable using it in written assignments to sound more professional. For instance, instead of writing '很多年轻人去大城市' (Many young people go to big cities), you might write '当代青年倾向于去大城市发展' (Contemporary youth tend to go to big cities for development). This elevates your register. You should also know the term '青少年' (adolescents) and how it combines 'youth' and 'teenager' into one category.
Sign up free to read full explanation
By B2, you should be aware of the historical and political connotations of 青年 in China. The term is heavily linked to the 'May Fourth Movement' and the idea of youth as a revolutionary and modernizing force. You will hear it in phrases like '青年一代' (the younger generation) which often carries a sense of hope and responsibility. You should be able to discuss topics like '青年的社会责任' (the social responsibility of youth) using this term. Additionally, you should be able to distinguish 青年 from more literary terms like '后生' (hòushēng - the younger generation/juniors) or '晚辈' (wǎnbèi - one's juniors in a family or professional hierarchy). Your usage should reflect an understanding that 青年 is a demographic and social category.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you should be able to analyze the use of 青年 in literature and advanced discourse. You'll encounter it in complex structures like '青年之于社会，犹新鲜活泼细胞之在人身' (Youth is to society as fresh, active cells are to the human body). You should understand how the word functions in idiomatic or semi-formal expressions like '青年才俊' (young and talented people). You should also be able to use 青年 to discuss abstract concepts like '青年精神' (the spirit of youth), which transcends age and refers to a mindset of innovation and courage. Your ability to switch between 青年 and its synonyms (like 少年, 壮年, or 年轻人) should be fluid and context-dependent, showing a deep grasp of Chinese linguistic register.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 青年. You understand its role in the grand narrative of Chinese modernization and its specific usage in different historical eras (e.g., the 'Educated Youth' or 知青 during the Cultural Revolution). You can appreciate the nuances in political speeches where 青年 is used to invoke nationalistic pride or collective duty. You are also capable of using the term in academic writing, perhaps discussing '青年亚文化' (youth subculture) or '青年人口红利' (youth demographic dividend). For you, 青年 is not just a word for 'young people,' but a rich, multi-layered concept that intersects with history, sociology, and philosophy. You can use it to craft sophisticated arguments and nuanced descriptions in any professional or literary setting.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

青年 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal noun meaning 'youth' or 'young people,' covering the age range from late teens to mid-thirties.
  • Commonly used in compound nouns like 'Youth Hostel' (青年旅舍) and 'Youth Day' (青年节).
  • Distinguished from the adjective '年轻' (young) and the more casual term '年轻人.'
  • Carries a strong cultural association with social progress, innovation, and national responsibility in China.

The term 青年 (qīngnián) is a cornerstone of Chinese vocabulary, representing the vibrant stage of life between childhood and full adulthood. At its core, it is a noun that translates to 'youth' or 'young people.' However, its usage in Chinese society is nuanced and carries significant cultural weight. Unlike the English word 'teenager,' which specifically targets the ages 13-19, 青年 encompasses a broader demographic, typically starting from the mid-teens and extending into the early thirties. This range reflects the period of education, career starting, and social maturation.

Lexical Composition
The character 青 (qīng) originally refers to the color of nature—green, blue, or black—symbolizing vitality and the 'green' sprouts of life. The character 年 (nián) means year or age. Together, they literally describe the 'green years' or the springtime of one's life.
Sociological Context
In modern China, the definition of 青年 is often formalized by organizations like the Communist Youth League, which considers the age range to be 14 to 28. However, in broader social discourse and international contexts (like the UN definition), it can stretch up to age 35. It is a term used to inspire hope and progress.

他是这个城市的优秀青年代表。
(He is a representative of the outstanding youth in this city.)

You will encounter this word in news reports, academic papers, and official documents more often than in casual street slang. It carries a sense of dignity and responsibility. When a speaker uses 青年, they are often referring to young people as a collective force in society. For example, during the May Fourth Youth Day (五四青年节), the word is everywhere, celebrating the role of young people in China's modernization and history.

Contrast with 年轻人 (niánqīngrén)
While both refer to young people, 青年 is more formal and collective. 年轻人 is the go-to term for daily conversation. If you are talking about your friends, you'd likely say 年轻人; if you are writing an essay about demographic trends, 青年 is the better choice.

我们要听取青年的声音。
(We need to listen to the voice of the youth.)

In literature, 青年 often evokes a sense of nostalgia or idealism. Authors use phrases like 青年时代 (qīngnián shídài - youth era) to reflect on the formative years of their characters. It represents a period of potential, where the 'green' has not yet hardened into the 'brown' of old age. It is the season of planting seeds for the future.

奋斗是青年最亮丽的底色。
(Struggle is the brightest background color of youth.)

Ultimately, 青年 is about a collective identity. It’s about the generation that holds the future in its hands. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Beijing or a textbook in Shanghai, 青年 serves as a powerful label for the energy and ambition of the rising generation.

Using 青年 (qīngnián) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. While it can function as a subject, object, or modifier, it rarely acts as a predicate (the main verb/adjective part of a sentence) on its own. Let's break down the primary structural patterns where this word excels.

As a Subject (The Actor)
When 青年 is the subject, it usually refers to young people as a group or a specific young person in a formal context.
Example: 青年是国家的未来。 (Youth are the future of the nation.)
As an Object (The Receiver)
As an object, it often follows verbs like 'encourage,' 'educate,' or 'help.'
Example: 我们要关心青年的成长。 (We must care about the growth of young people.)

现代青年面临着巨大的压力。
(Modern youth face enormous pressure.)

One of the most common ways to use 青年 is as a noun modifier (attributive). In this role, it describes another noun, creating compound concepts that are ubiquitous in Chinese society. Notice how it doesn't need the particle '的' (de) when forming standard titles, though '的' can be used for more descriptive phrases.

Common Compound Nouns
  • 青年旅舍 (qīngnián lǚshè): Youth Hostel
  • 青年志愿者 (qīngnián zhìyuànzhě): Youth Volunteer
  • 青年联合会 (qīngnián liánhéhuì): Youth Federation
  • 青年时期 (qīngnián shíqī): Period of youth

他在青年时代去过很多国家。
(He went to many countries during his youth.)

When describing a person's identity, 青年 often implies a level of maturity beyond childhood. A 10-year-old is a 少年 (shàonián), but an 18-year-old college student is a 青年. This distinction is vital for accurate communication in formal settings.

这本杂志是专门为青年读者设计的。
(This magazine is specifically designed for young readers.)

In summary, treat 青年 as a formal label for a person or a group in that specific life stage. Use it when you want to sound professional, respectful, or when discussing social and demographic issues. It provides a sense of structure and category to your sentences that the more casual 年轻人 lacks.

You will encounter 青年 (qīngnián) in a variety of specific contexts in Chinese-speaking environments. Understanding these 'habitats' for the word will help you recognize its social register and emotional undertones.

News and Media
News anchors and journalists frequently use 青年 when reporting on employment rates, educational achievements, or social trends. Headlines like '鼓励青年创业' (Encouraging youth entrepreneurship) are very common. It frames the demographic as a vital resource for the country's development.
Travel and Hospitality
If you are a budget traveler in China, you will see '青年旅舍' (qīngnián lǚshè) everywhere. This is the standard term for a youth hostel. Even if the guests aren't strictly 'youth,' the term conveys a budget-friendly, social, and energetic atmosphere.

我们今晚住在火车站附近的青年旅舍。
(We are staying at the youth hostel near the train station tonight.)

Educational institutions are another major site for this word. Universities have '青年团' (Youth Leagues) and host '青年论坛' (Youth Forums). In these settings, 青年 is a term of empowerment, suggesting that students are the intellectuals and leaders of tomorrow.

In literature and film, the word often appears in titles or descriptions of a character's journey. For instance, the famous novel 'The Song of Youth' (青春之歌) uses a related term, but the characters are consistently referred to as 青年 to emphasize their political and social awakening.

这位青年导演的作品获得了大奖。
(This young director's work won a major award.)

In the workplace, you might hear managers talk about '青年骨干' (qīngnián gǔgàn), which refers to the 'young backbone' or key young talent of a company. This is a high compliment, suggesting that the person is young but already indispensable to the organization's success.

Public Service Announcements
Government campaigns aimed at health, safety, or civic duty will almost always address the target audience as 青年. It sounds more authoritative and inclusive than address terms like 'kids' or 'students.'

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll notice that 青年 isn't just a word for age; it's a word for a specific social role—one characterized by growth, ambition, and the transition into adult responsibility.

While 青年 (qīngnián) seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble because they treat it like the English adjective 'young.' In Chinese, part-of-speech distinctions are crucial. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using 青年 as a Predicative Adjective
In English, we say 'He is young.' A common mistake is to translate this as '他很青年' (Tā hěn qīngnián). This is grammatically incorrect in Chinese because 青年 is a noun, not an adjective.
Correct: 他很年轻 (Tā hěn niánqīng). Use 年轻 (niánqīng) for the adjective 'young.'
Mistake 2: Confusing 青年 with 少年 (shàonián)
Learners often use these interchangeably. However, 少年 refers specifically to early adolescence (roughly ages 10-15), whereas 青年 covers the period from late teens to early thirties. Calling a 25-year-old a 少年 might sound childish or overly poetic.

❌ 我是一个年轻旅舍。
✅ 我住在一个青年旅舍。
(Correction: 'Youth Hostel' is a fixed term using the noun 青年, not the adjective 年轻.)

Another subtle mistake is the overuse of 青年 in casual conversation. If you are at a party and want to say 'Hey young people!', saying '青年们，你好！' (Qīngniánmen, nǐhǎo!) sounds like a formal political speech. It’s better to use '年轻人' (niánqīngrén) or just '大家' (dàjiā).

Mistake 3: Misjudging the Age Upper Limit
In some Western cultures, 'youth' might stop at 18 or 21. In Chinese contexts, especially professional ones, someone who is 32 is still very much a 青年. Don't be surprised if a 'Young Scientist' award goes to someone with a PhD and ten years of experience!

作为一名青年，他很有抱负。
(As a young person, he is very ambitious.)

Finally, remember that 青年 is generally positive. It implies energy and potential. Using it to describe someone who is acting immaturely (e.g., 'You are acting like a youth') doesn't quite work in Chinese; for that, you'd use '幼稚' (yòuzhì - naive/childish). Keep 青年 for the respectful, formal, or descriptive contexts it belongs in.

Chinese has a rich set of terms to describe different stages and types of 'young people.' Choosing the right one depends on the age, gender, and level of formality you wish to convey. Here is a comparison of 青年 (qīngnián) with its closest relatives.

年轻人 (niánqīngrén) vs. 青年
年轻人 is the most common, versatile term. It literally means 'young-year-person.' It is used in 90% of daily conversations.
青年 is the formal, sociological, or literary equivalent. Use it in speeches, essays, or titles.
少年 (shàonián) vs. 青年
少年 refers to adolescents or 'juveniles' (approx. 10-16 years old). It has a more innocent, school-age connotation.
青年 starts where 少年 ends, moving into the world of college and work.
青少年 (qīngshàonián)
This is a combination of 青年 and 少年, essentially meaning 'teenagers and young adults.' It is the standard term for 'adolescents' in health and psychology contexts.

这部电影吸引了很多青少年观众。
(This movie attracts many adolescent viewers.)

There are also gender-specific or colloquial terms that you might use instead of the neutral 青年.

小伙子 (xiǎohuǒzi)
A friendly, slightly informal way to refer to a 'young man' or 'lad.' You’ll hear older people use this to address young men politely.
姑娘 (gūniang)
A common term for a 'young woman' or 'girl.' Like 小伙子, it is warmer and more personal than the formal 青年.

In summary, use 青年 for categories, titles, and formal discussions. Use 年轻人 for people you actually meet. Use 少年 for kids in middle school, and use 青少年 when you want to cover the whole 'young' spectrum from puberty to early adulthood.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃɪŋ niæn/
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

他是青年。

He is a young person.

Simple Subject + Verb + Noun structure.

2

青年旅舍在哪儿？

Where is the youth hostel?

青年旅舍 is a fixed compound noun.

3

青年们在唱歌。

The young people are singing.

Adding 们 (men) makes the noun plural.

4

我喜欢青年朋友。

I like young friends.

青年 acts as a modifier for 朋友.

5

他是优秀的青年。

He is an outstanding youth.

优秀的 is an adjective modifying the noun 青年.

6

青年人爱学习。

Young people love to study.

青年人 is a common variation of 青年.

7

这是青年杂志。

This is a youth magazine.

青年 modifies 杂志 directly.

8

青年节是五月四日。

Youth Day is May 4th.

青年节 is a proper noun (Youth Day).

1

很多青年参加了比赛。

Many young people participated in the competition.

很多 (many) modifies the plural concept of 青年.

2

这个青年很有礼貌。

This young person is very polite.

这个 (this) + measure word + noun.

3

他在青年时期学了法语。

He learned French during his youth.

青年时期 means 'period of youth'.

4

青年志愿者在帮忙。

Youth volunteers are helping.

青年志愿者 is a common social term.

5

我们要听青年的意见。

We should listen to the opinions of the youth.

青年的 (youth's) uses the possessive particle.

6

青年作家写了一本书。

The young writer wrote a book.

青年 identifies the professional's age category.

7

他在青年团里很活跃。

He is very active in the Youth League.

青年团 is a specific organizational term.

8

他是这儿的青年代表。

He is the youth representative here.

青年代表 is a formal title.

1

当代青年非常关注环境问题。

Contemporary youth are very concerned about environmental issues.

当代 (contemporary) provides temporal context.

2

政府为青年提供了很多就业机会。

The government has provided many job opportunities for youth.

青年 is the indirect object of the provision.

3

这部小说描述了青年的奋斗历程。

This novel describes the struggle of youth.

奋斗历程 (struggle process) is a common collocation.

4

青年一代是国家的脊梁。

The younger generation is the backbone of the nation.

青年一代 refers to the generation as a whole.

5

我们要加强对青年的思想教育。

We must strengthen ideological education for youth.

对...的教育 (education towards...).

6

这些青年才俊来自全国各地。

These young and talented people come from all over the country.

青年才俊 is a set phrase for 'young talents'.

7

他把青年时代都献给了科学。

He dedicated all his youth to science.

把...献给 (dedicate... to).

8

青年论坛吸引了许多专家。

The youth forum attracted many experts.

青年论坛 is a formal event name.

1

青年的心理健康日益受到重视。

The mental health of youth is receiving increasing attention.

心理健康 (mental health) is a complex noun phrase.

2

他是一位富有理想的青年。

He is a young man full of ideals.

富有 (be full of) modifies the qualities of the youth.

3

社会应该给予青年更多的包容。

Society should give youth more tolerance.

给予 (give/bestow) is a formal verb.

4

青年时期的经历对他影响深远。

His experiences during his youth had a profound impact on him.

影响深远 (profound influence) is an advanced collocation.

5

不少青年选择在农村创业。

Not a few young people choose to start businesses in rural areas.

不少 (not few) is a formal way to say 'many'.

6

我们要激发青年的创新活力。

We must stimulate the innovative vitality of the youth.

创新活力 (innovative vitality) is a high-level concept.

7

青年不仅是建设者，更是接班人。

Youth are not only builders but also successors.

不仅...更是... (not only... but even more...).

8

这部剧反映了当代青年的生活现状。

This drama reflects the current living conditions of contemporary youth.

生活现状 (living situation) is a formal term.

1

青年之字典，无“困难”之字。

In the dictionary of youth, the word 'difficulty' does not exist.

青年之 (youth's) uses the literary particle 之.

2

他正处于意气风发的青年时代。

He is in the prime of his high-spirited youth.

意气风发 is an idiom for 'high-spirited'.

3

青年应当具备全球视野和家国情怀。

Youth should possess a global vision and a sense of national belonging.

家国情怀 is a sophisticated cultural term.

4

我们要关注青年群体的利益诉求。

We must pay attention to the interests and demands of the youth group.

利益诉求 (interest demands) is academic terminology.

5

这篇文章深刻剖析了青年亚文化的成因。

This article deeply analyzes the causes of youth subculture.

剖析 (dissect/analyze) and 亚文化 (subculture) are advanced.

6

青年如初升之太阳，充满生机。

Youth is like the rising sun, full of vitality.

Simile structure using 如 (like).

7

社会转型期给青年带来了新的挑战。

The period of social transformation has brought new challenges to youth.

社会转型期 (social transition period) is a sociological term.

8

他致力于青年公益事业的发展。

He is committed to the development of youth public welfare undertakings.

致力于 (be committed to) is a formal verb.

1

青年不仅是一个生理概念，更是一个精神范畴。

Youth is not just a physiological concept, but more importantly, a spiritual category.

生理概念 vs 精神范畴 (physiological vs spiritual).

2

梁启超在《少年中国说》中对青年寄予厚望。

Liang Qichao placed high hopes on youth in 'On the Young China'.

寄予厚望 (place high hopes) is a formal idiom.

3

青年人的价值导向决定了未来社会的风气。

The value orientation of young people determines the atmosphere of future society.

价值导向 (value orientation) is a philosophical term.

4

在历史的长河中，青年始终是时代的弄潮儿。

In the long river of history, youth have always been the trendsetters of the era.

时代的弄潮儿 (trendsetters/darling of the era) is a literary idiom.

5

青年之自觉，乃是民族复兴之先导。

The awakening of youth is the precursor to national rejuvenation.

乃是 (is/exactly is) is a classical-style connector.

6

我们要警惕青年阶层中出现的虚无主义倾向。

We must be wary of nihilistic tendencies appearing within the youth class.

虚无主义 (nihilism) is an advanced philosophical term.

7

青年的创造力是推动社会进步的不竭动力。

The creativity of youth is an inexhaustible driving force for social progress.

不竭动力 (inexhaustible power) is a sophisticated collocation.

8

他笔下的青年形象充满了时代的张力。

The youth images in his writing are full of the tension of the era.

时代的张力 (tension of the era) is a literary critique term.

Common Collocations

优秀青年
青年时代
青年旅舍
青年作家
当代青年
青年志愿者
青年团
青年教育
青年论坛
热血青年

Common Phrases

五四青年节

— May Fourth Youth Day. A holiday commemorating the student protests of 1919.

青年节那天学校放半天假。

青年公寓

— Youth Apartment. Modern rental housing targeted at young professionals.

他住在市中心的青年公寓。

青年联合会

— Youth Federation. A formal organization of youth groups.

他是全国青年联合会的代表。

青年突击队

— Youth Shock Brigade. A term for a group of young people taking on urgent tasks.

青年突击队连夜修好了大桥。

文学青年

— Literary youth. A term for young people who love literature.

他是一个典型的文学青年。

杰出青年

— Outstanding youth. A formal title for high achievers.

他获得了全国杰出青年奖。

青年领袖

— Youth leader. Someone who leads and inspires other young people.

他被公认为是一位青年领袖。

青年期

— Youth phase. The developmental stage of being a youth.

青年期是性格形成的关键时期。

知识青年

— Educated youth. Often refers to the 'sent-down youth' of the 1960s/70s.

很多知识青年在那时去了农村。

青年干部

— Young cadre. A young person in a leadership or government role.

我们要培养更多的青年干部。

Idioms & Expressions

"青年才俊"

— Young and talented people. Refers to impressive young achievers.

这次聚会聚集了各行各业的青年才俊。

Formal
"意气风发"

— High-spirited and full of mettle. Often used to describe youth.

那时的我们意气风发，无所畏惧。

Literary
"后生可畏"

— The younger generation is to be regarded with awe. Praise for talented youth.

看到他的表现，我不禁感叹后生可畏。

Formal/Literary
"青春年少"

— Young and in the prime of life.

正值青春年少的他，对未来充满期待。

Literary
"风华正茂"

— In the prime of one's youth and talent.

同学们正值风华正茂，要努力学习。

Literary
"血气方刚"

— Full of youthful vigor (sometimes implying impulsiveness).

年轻人血气方刚，容易冲动。

Neutral
"朝气蓬勃"

— Full of youthful spirit and vitality.

这支青年队伍朝气蓬勃。

Formal
"豆蔻年华"

— Cardamom years. Refers specifically to a girl's early youth (around 13-14).

她正处于豆蔻年华，天真烂漫。

Literary
"弱冠之年"

— The year of the weak cap. Refers to a male reaching 20 years old.

他虽在弱冠之年，却已很有主见。

Literary
"初出茅庐"

— Just out of the thatched cottage. Refers to a young person starting out.

一个初出茅庐的青年，难免会犯错。

Neutral
Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

青少年 Japanese 青年 Japanese
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!