成年

• Reading: せいねん
• Romaji: seinen
• Kanji breakdown: 成 (sei/na) — become, accomplish; 年 (nen/toshi) — year, age
• Pronunciation: /se.i.neɴ/

Meaning

Legal adulthood; age of majority. The age at which a person is considered legally adult.

A noun referring to the legal status of adulthood. In Japan, the age of majority was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022. Common compounds: 成年後見人 (seinen kouken-nin, legal guardian for adults), 未成年 (miseinen, minor). Distinct from 青年 (seinen, youth/young man) which uses different kanji and refers to an age range rather than legal status.

Examples

1. 日本では十八歳から成年とされている。 In Japan, you are considered a legal adult from the age of eighteen.
2. 成年になったら自分で契約ができるようになる。 Once you reach the age of majority, you can sign contracts on your own.
3. 未成年の飲酒は法律で禁止されている。 Underage drinking is prohibited by law.

Usage Guide

Context: law, government, coming of age

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Composed of 成 (become/accomplish) and 年 (year/age). Together they signify the age at which one becomes a full member of society, a concept codified in modern civil law.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal