juvenil

Juvenil is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe things related to youth or to a stage of development before adulthood. It comes from Latin juvenilis, meaning “of the young.” In everyday language, it can apply to people, behaviors, or objects associated with youth.

In linguistic and cultural contexts, juvenil denotes youth-oriented concepts. For example, it is used to describe works, products, or activities aimed at young people, as well as characteristics typical of younger stages in various domains.

In biology and botany, the term is used to distinguish a juvenile form from an adult. A juvenile organism is immature and not yet sexually mature. Juvenile plants may be vegetative and non-reproductive, while juvenile animals often differ in size, coloration, or behavior from adults. The juvenile stage is a part of the life cycle that precedes maturation.

In law and social policy, juvenile refers to a person below a defined age of responsibility. Juvenile law, juvenile courts, and related programs address the rights, treatment, and rehabilitation of young people, often emphasizing education and welfare over punishment.

In sport and education, juvenil or juvenil is commonly used to label youth divisions, such as teams or leagues for players under a certain age. Age cutoffs vary by country and sport, but the term signals competitions intended for younger participants. Overall, juvenil encompasses the concept of youth in linguistic, biological, legal, and social contexts.