How to say "immature" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 未熟みじゅくna-adjective, nounCovers both literal unripeness of fruit and figurative immaturity in ability, skill, or experience. Typical when saying someone's technique or judgment is not yet fully developed.
- 稚拙ちせつna-adjective, nounApplied to work or technique that is unskillful, naive, or immature, such as a childlike drawing or clumsy writing. Rarely the word for an immature person; it evaluates skill or craftsmanship.
- 若いわかいi-adjectiveChiefly means young, and its 'immature, green' sense is that of someone still young and inexperienced. Usually not the word you want for criticize-worthy immaturity; for that use 幼稚 or 未熟.
- 幼稚ようちna-adjective, nounDescribes childish, infantile, or immature behavior and reasoning, often with a critical tone, as in immature attitudes or arguments. Also has the 'primitive' sense for undeveloped ideas or methods.
- 幼いおさないi-adjectiveMostly means very young or childish in the sense of being childlike. As 'immature' it suggests a still-childish quality in a person rather than a criticism of skill or judgment.
Use 未熟 for literal unripeness or lack of skill, 幼稚 or 「幼い」 for childish behavior, 稚拙 for naive unskillful work, and 「若い」 mostly for the 'green, still young' sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 未熟みじゅくunripe
- 稚拙ちせつunskillful
- 大人げないおとなげないimmature
- 青臭いあおくさいinexperienced
- 乳臭いちちくさいgreen
- 子供じみたこどもじみたchildish
- 生硬せいこうcrude
- 子供っぽいこどもっぽいchildish
- ケツが青いケツがあおいwet behind the ears
- おぼこいchildish
- なまっちょろいhalf-hearted
- 若いわかいimmature
- 幼稚ようちchildish
- 幼いおさないchildish
- 前方まえかたimmature
- 生煮えなまにえimmature
- 青っぽいあおっぽいimmature
- 白面はくめんinexperienced
- 幼きおさなきchildish
- 小便臭いしょうべんくさいchildish
- 青あおimmature
See also
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