年頃

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 年頃, read としごろ. Elements for age and approximate period combine to denote a stage of life associated with a certain behavior or concern.
• Basic usage: 試したがる年頃 marks the age of wanting to try things independently, while 結婚を考える年頃 marks a stage when marriage is considered.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A stage shown by behavior
  • The stage is described by a desire for independence rather than by an exact numerical age. Example: 弟は何でも自分で試したがる年頃です。 — My brother is at an age when he wants to try everything himself.
• A marriage-related stage
  • The sisters have reached a stage of life when they consider marriage. Example: 物語の姉妹は二人とも結婚を考える年頃になりました。 — Both sisters in the story have reached an age when they are considering marriage.