King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “childhood”

Romaji: younen
childhood; infancy

In Japanese, childhood is , read (younen).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

  1. n childhood; infancy

Kanji and stroke order

infancy, childhood
on: ヨウ
kun: おさな.い
5 strokes · JLPT 2
year, counter for years
on: ネン
kun: とし
6 strokes · JLPT 4

Other Japanese words for “childhood”

WordReadingMeaning
ようしょう youshouinfancy; childhood; tender age
ようじ youjichildhood; infancy
よう youinfancy; childhood; infant
ようねんじだい younenjidaichildhood
ようしょうき youshouki(early) childhood

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
ようちえん youchienkindergarten (in Japan, non-compulsory education from age 3 until primary school); preschool
ようじ youjiyoung child; toddler
おさななじみ osananajimichildhood friend; friend from infancy; old playmate
おさない osanaivery young; little
ようしょう youshouinfancy; childhood; tender age
ようち youchiinfancy
ことし kotoshithis year
ねんかん nenkan(period of) a year

See also: Chinese symbol for “childhood”.

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.

Last posts

  1. Best Tai Chi Swords for Smaller Hands and How to Choose
  2. Best Lightweight Tai Chi Swords for Seniors
  3. Best Wooden Tai Chi Sabers for Beginners and How to Choose
  4. Buying a Tai Chi Broadsword for Practice
  5. Stainless Steel vs Chrome-Plated Jian for Martial Arts
  6. Why Your Tai Chi Sword Rattles and How to Buy a Better One
  7. Choosing the Right Sword Tassel for Balance and Style
  8. Choosing a Tai Chi Sword Bag for Daily Practice
  9. Best Tai Chi Swords with Scabbards for Daily Training
  10. How Much Should You Spend on a Tai Chi Sword Budgeting Tips