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"Mayor de edad" is an adjective which is often translated as "of legal age", and "joven" is an adjective which is often translated as "young". Learn more about the difference between "mayor de edad" and "joven" below.
mayor de edad, el mayor de edad, la mayor de edad(
mah
-
yohr
deh
eh
-
dahd
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. of legal age
Si eres mayor de edad, no necesitas permiso paterno para someterte a una operación de cambio de sexo.If you are of legal age, you don't need parental consent to undergo a sex change operation.
b. of age
Para poder votar tienes que ser mayor de edad.You need to be of age in order to be able to vote.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
a. adult
Tres personas fueron detenidas en relación con los robos. Se trata de dos mayores de edad y un menor.Three people have been arrested in relation with the robberies: two adults and a minor.
b. person who is of legal age
Los mayores de edad no pueden acceder a estas prestaciones en concreto.Those persons who are of legal age are not eligible for these benefits in particular.
joven, el joven, la joven(
hoh
-
behn
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
3. (person)
a. young person
Debe de ser difícil ser un joven hoy en día.It must be hard to be a young person these days.
b. kid (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Este candidato no tiene experiencia, pero sí mucho entusiasmo, y parece un joven muy agradable.This applicant has no experience, but he's very enthusiastic, and he seems like a nice enough kid.
d. young woman (feminine)
La joven que está en la parada de autobús es mi prima.The young woman at the bus stop is my cousin.
e. youth
Cada joven que contratamos representa una inversión de futuro.Every youth we hire represents an investment in our future.
los jóvenes, las jóvenes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. young people
En estas tribus, los jóvenes toman ejemplo de sus mayores.In these tribes, young people look up to their elders.
b. kids (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Aunque tocaba una banda de los ochenta, en el público había muchos jóvenes.Although a band from the eighties was playing, there were many kids in the audience.
d. youths
Dos adultos y dos jóvenes han sido detenidos en relación con la agresión.Two adults and two youths have been arrested in connection with the assault.
e. youngsters
Unos jóvenes platicaban y reían en un banco del parque.Some youngsters were chatting and laughing on a bench in the park.
