青春期

• Pinyin: qīng chūn qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 青 = 生 + 月 (blue-green/youth); 春 = 三 + 人 + 日 (spring/youth); 期 = 其 + 月 (period/stage)

Meaning

Puberty; adolescence. The developmental stage between childhood and adulthood, roughly ages 11 to 18.

Used in medical, educational, and psychological contexts. Chinese discourse often emphasises the emotional and physical challenges of 青春期. Schools and parents are advised to guide children through this sensitive period with patience and understanding.

Examples

1. 青春期的孩子情绪波动较大，需要家长和老师给予耐心引导。 Kids going through puberty often have big mood swings, so they need patient guidance from parents and teachers.
2. 她在青春期经历了身心的深刻变化，逐渐走向成熟与独立。 During adolescence, she went through profound changes in body and mind and gradually became more mature and independent.
3. 心理学研究表明，青春期是个人价值观和世界观形成的关键阶段。 Psychological research shows that adolescence is a critical period for forming one’s values and worldview.

Usage Guide

Context: education, psychology, parenting

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 家长在孩子进入青春期后应调整沟通方式，以理解和尊重代替单方面命令。(Parents should adjust their communication approach when children enter adolescence, replacing one-sided commands with understanding and respect.)
• 青春期的早期心理干预对预防长期心理健康问题至关重要。(Early psychological intervention during adolescence is crucial for preventing long-term mental health issues.)

Don't Say

• 他四十岁了还处于青春期 — use 心智不够成熟 or 缺乏成熟度 for adult immaturity; 青春期 is a specific biological and developmental stage, not a metaphor for immaturity

Origin & History

青春 (youth/spring of life) + 期 (period/phase) — the phase of youth

Cultural Context

Generation: Youth

Social background: Universal