Meaning

Primary

Adult

Alternative

Mature

Word Type

noun, な adjective, の adjective

Explanation

This kanji combines big and person. If you're a child, how do you think of adults? You just think of them like big people. That's why this combination of kanji means adult, and when used like an adjective, it means mature.

Reading

おとな
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

"I'm an adult, which means I have adult responsibilities. Oh, Toner (おとな)? I need some of that for my terrible printer..." ... now feel so sad you have such a terrible printer that runs out of toner every day. Ohhhh Toner!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 大人っぽい

    adult-like, mature

    大人たち

    adults

    大人だけ

    adults only

Context Sentences

大人のチケット下さい。

A ticket for an adult, please.

PG-18は大人のためのコンテンツです。

PG-18 is content for adults.

わたしは「大人の女」をテーマにしたファッションマガジンのモデルです。

I am a model for a fashion magazine that caters to "mature women."

Kanji Composition