少女

• Pinyin: shào nǚ
• Hanzi breakdown: 少 = 小 + 丿 (young); 女 = pictograph of a woman (female)

Meaning

Young girl; maiden; a girl in her teens or early adolescence. Conveys youth, innocence, and femininity.

Used in literary, poetic, and everyday contexts to describe a young female, typically between the ages of 12 and 18. Often carries a sense of delicacy and innocence. Also appears in compound terms and marketing.

Examples

1. 那幅画描绘了一位亭亭玉立的少女站在花丛中。 That painting depicts a graceful young girl standing among the flowers.
2. 她少女时代的日记记录了许多珍贵的回忆。 Her teenage diaries recorded many precious memories.
3. 这首歌表达了少女对未来的美好憧憬。 This song expresses a young girl’s beautiful hopes for the future.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, everyday, culture

Tone: gentle

Do Say

• 她脸上仍保留着少女般的纯真笑容。(Her face still carries the innocent smile of a young girl.)
• 这部小说细腻地描写了一个少女的成长历程。(This novel vividly depicts the coming-of-age journey of a young girl.)

Don't Say

• 少女 for adult women — 少女 implies youth and immaturity; use 女士 or 女性 for adult women

Origin & History

少 (young) + 女 (female, woman)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal