Definition
少年 (shàonián) refers to a youngster in their early teens to early 20s, emphasizing the age stage rather than gender. Unlike 男生 (schoolboy/guy) or 小伙子 (lad, colloquial), it is neutral and can be used in formal or literary contexts. 青年 (qīngnián) is broader (young adult), while 青春 (qīngchūn) is the abstract concept of youth.
noun
youthyoungster (a person in their early teens to early 20s)
Examples
- 少年。Nà ge shào nián xǐhuan dǎ lánqiú.That youngster likes playing basketball.
- 少年。Zhèxiē shào nián dōu shì wǒ de tóngxué.These youngsters are all my classmates.
- 少年。Tā cóngxiǎo jiù shì yí gè cōngmíng de shào nián.He has been a smart youngster since childhood.
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.