adolescencia
“adolescencia” means “adolescence” in Spanish (The period of life).
adolescence, teenage years
Also: youth
📝 In Action
La adolescencia es una etapa de muchos cambios.
A1Adolescence is a stage of many changes.
Tuve una adolescencia muy feliz en mi pueblo.
A2I had a very happy adolescence in my town.
Muchos padres encuentran difícil la adolescencia de sus hijos.
B1Many parents find their children's teenage years difficult.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: adolescencia
Question 1 of 3
Which word refers to the person, not the time period?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'adolescentia,' which comes from 'adolescere,' meaning 'to grow up' or 'to ripen.' It shares the same root as the word 'adult.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'adolescencia' the same as 'pubertad'?
Not exactly. Pubertad (puberty) refers specifically to the physical biological changes, while adolescencia (adolescence) is a broader term covering the social, emotional, and physical transition to adulthood.
How do I say 'in my teens'?
The most natural way is 'en mi adolescencia' or 'cuando era adolescente'.
Is the 'sc' in the middle pronounced differently?
In most of the Spanish-speaking world, the 's' and 'c' blend into one 's' sound. In parts of Spain, the 's' is followed by a 'th' sound.