児童

• Reading: じどう
• Romaji: jidou
• Kanji breakdown: 児 (ji) — child, newborn; 童 (dou) — child, juvenile
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.doː/

Meaning

Children; juveniles. A formal term for young children, especially in educational or legal contexts.

A noun used primarily in official, educational, and legal contexts to refer to children, typically elementary school age (roughly 6-12 years). More formal than 子供. Appears in compound words like 児童書 (children's books) and 児童福祉 (child welfare). Note: same reading as 自動 but different kanji and meaning.

Examples

1. 児童の安全を守ることが大切だ。 It is important to protect the safety of children.
2. この公園は児童のために作られた。 This park was built for children.
3. 図書館に児童向けのコーナーがある。 The library has a section for children.

Usage Guide

Context: education, law, social welfare

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Composed of 児 (child, newborn) and 童 (child, juvenile). Both kanji relate to youth, with 児 emphasising infancy and 童 emphasising young age generally.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal