Comparing "nianqing" and "nianqing"

年轻 and 年青 are adjectives that are used in informal and formal settings. They are similar in fact that both mean young (age 10 to 20) and have the exact same pronunciation. In many circumstances, they can be used interchangeably when they describe someone in this age period. Nonetheless, when used as such, 年轻 is used more commonly than 年青. Beyond this, they have more subtle differences, foremost only 年轻 can be used in age comparisons that show someone is “younger” than someone else (not restricted to between 10 and 20, no matter what age is ok). Secondly, only 年轻 can be used to show that “something”, i.e., a planet, a branch of study, etc. is “young.”











B2HSK4ASV4567
年轻 (niánqīng) 年青 (niánqīng)
Meaning young, younger young
Part of Speech adjective adjective
Formality flexible flexible