What is young? Pronunciation and usage in English

young means . Learn how to pronounce and use young through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of young

youngadjective

/jʌŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of young

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "young" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /jʌŋ/ (This is the phonetic transcription - the symbol system for sounds)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “ju”: This sounds like the "you" in "you are." It’s a short, quick “yoo” sound.

  2. “ng”: This is the tricky part. It's a dark “ng” sound. It’s NOT the same as the "ng" in "sing."

    • The tongue should be positioned slightly further back in your mouth than for the "sing" sound.
    • Think of it as a nasalized "n" – the sound is created partly through your nose as well as your mouth. It should be a bit muted and dark. You can almost feel the air moving through your nose when you make it.

Here’s a way to hear it:

  • Listen on Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/young/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce young English" on YouTube. You’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Too much of a "sing" sound: Many learners get the "ng" sound confused with "sing." Focus on the dark, nasal "n" sound and make it quieter.
  • Saying “yoong”: This is a very common error. It's adding an extra syllable.

To summarize, think: "yoo-ng" (with a dark, nasal "ng").

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the sound?
  • Give you a comparison to another similar word (like "song")?

Usage and examples with the word young in English

Let's break down how to use the word "young" in English. It's a versatile word with many different ways to employ it!

1. As an Adjective (Describing Age)

This is the most common usage. "Young" describes someone or something that is in their early stages of life or development.

  • Describing People:

    • "She's a young woman." (meaning she’s in her 20s or early 30s)
    • "He's a young boy." (typically under 12)
    • "They are young professionals." (new to the workforce)
    • "A young couple" (just starting out in a relationship)

  • Describing Things (Growth, Products, Ideas):

    • "A young tree" (a small tree, just beginning to grow)
    • "A young artist" (an artist who is just starting out)
    • "A young technology" (a new technology that's still developing)
    • "A young company" (a recently established business)

2. As a Verb (To Be Young)

“To be young” is a verb phrase expressing the state of being young.

  • "I am young and full of energy."
  • "He was young when he first learned to play the guitar.”
  • "She wants to be young again."

3. Figurative Uses (Beyond Literal Age)

"Young" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is new, fresh, or innovative.

  • "Young talent" – refers to promising, inexperienced people.
  • "Young ideas" – new and unconventional concepts.
  • "The young market" – a market that is newly emerging or attracting younger consumers.

4. Phrases with “Young”

Here are some common phrases that use "young":

  • Young at heart: Cheerful and energetic, regardless of age. ("He may be 70, but he's young at heart.")
  • Young offender: A person who commits crimes when they are young.
  • Young democracy: A new or recently established democracy.
  • Young earth creationism: A belief that the Earth is young, typically in a literal, thousands-of-years timeframe.

Tips for Using "Young" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "young" depends on the context. Make sure it's clear whether you're describing someone's age or using it metaphorically.
  • Age Ranges: “Young” is often used for the early stages of life. Here's a general guideline (though these can vary):
    • Very Young: Infants, toddlers
    • Young: Children (5-12), teenagers (13-19)
    • Young Adult: Early 20s – mid 30s
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “new,” “fresh,” “recent,” “developing,” or “initial” depending on the context.

Could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "young"? (e.g., "I'm writing a story and need help describing a character," or "I want to know how to use it in a specific sentence?")
  • Do you have a particular sentence you're struggling with? Sharing that would help me give you more tailored advice.

Synonyms for the word young

Idioms of the word young

be getting younger
(informal)used to say that people seem to be doing something at a younger age than they used to, or that they seem younger because you are now older
  • The band's fans are getting younger.
  • Why do police officers seem to be getting younger?
not be getting any younger
(informal)used when you are commenting that time is passing and that you are growing older
  • We need to start thinking about our retirement. We’re not getting any younger, you know.
(have) an old head on young shoulders
used to describe a young person who acts in a more sensible way than you would expect for a person of their age
    young at heart
    thinking and behaving like a young person even when you are old
    • My father is 76 but he’s still young at heart.
    • He's over 70, but he's young at heart.
    you’re only young once
    (saying)young people should enjoy themselves as much as possible, because they will have to work and worry later in their lives

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