adjective HSK 2
Traditional 年輕
nián qīng
young · youthful

Meaning

年轻 means 'young' and describes people who are in their youth or have a youthful appearance or mindset. It emphasizes being in the early stages of life, typically referring to people in their teens, twenties, or thirties, though it can be relative depending on context.

Usage

Commonly used to describe people's age or appearance. Can also describe someone acting in a youthful or immature way. Often appears in phrases like 年轻人 (young people) or as a predicate with 很 (hěn). Generally carries a positive connotation of vitality and potential.

Examples

  1. 01
    她看起来很年轻
    kàn qǐlái hěn nián qīng.
    She looks very young.
  2. 02
    现在的年轻人都喜欢用手机。
    Xiàn zài de nián qīng rén dōu huān yòng shǒu .
    Young people nowadays all like to use smartphones.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 年轻
    nián qīng rén
    young people
  • 年轻
    hěn nián qīng
    very young
  • 年轻
    nián qīng shí
    when young, in one's youth
  • 年轻有为
    nián qīng yǒu wéi
    young and promising

Antonyms

Origin

Literally combines 年 (year/age) with 轻 (light), suggesting someone whose years are 'light' or few in number.

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