若手

• Reading: わかて
• Romaji: wakate
• Kanji breakdown: 若 (waka) — young, youthful; 手 (te) — hand, person, player
• Pronunciation: /ɰa.ka.te/

Meaning

Young person; up-and-coming member. Refers to younger members of a group, organisation, or profession.

A noun and no-adjective used to describe the younger generation within a specific field or organisation. Unlike 若者 (wakamono, young people in general), 若手 specifically refers to less experienced but promising members of a professional or skill-based group: 若手社員 (junior employee), 若手俳優 (up-and-coming actor). Often implies potential and energy rather than inexperience.

Examples

1. 若手社員が新しいプロジェクトを任された。 A junior employee was put in charge of the new project.
2. その映画祭では若手監督の作品が注目を集めた。 At that film festival, works by up-and-coming directors drew a lot of attention.
3. 会社は若手の育成に力を入れている。 The company is putting a lot of effort into developing its younger staff.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, sports, entertainment

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Japanese: 若 (waka, young) + 手 (te, hand/person). Literally 'young hand' — a newer hand in the craft or profession.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal