Meaning
成年人 refers to a person who has reached the age of legal adulthood, typically 18 years old in China. The term carries connotations of maturity, independence, and full legal rights and responsibilities. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to distinguish adults from children or minors.
Usage
This is a neutral, standard term used in everyday conversation, legal documents, and formal writing. Native speakers use it to refer to adults in general, and it often appears in discussions about age-appropriate behavior, legal rights, or responsibilities. It's more formal than simply saying 大人 (dàren), which is more colloquial.
Examples
- 01作为成年人，你应该对自己的行为负责。, .As an adult, you should be responsible for your own actions.
- 02这部电影只适合成年人观看。.This movie is only suitable for adults to watch.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个成年人
- 位三位成年人
Common collocations
- 成年人的责任adult responsibilities
- 成年人世界adult world
- 像个成年人like an adult
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'become-year-person,' referring to someone who has completed enough years to be considered mature. The concept reflects traditional Chinese emphasis on age-based social roles and responsibilities.