What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teen
Example
She's a teen and loves listening to pop music. [teen: noun]
Example
The movie is a teen comedy about high school life. [teen: adjective]
teenager
Example
My daughter is a teenager and is always on her phone. [teenager: noun]
Example
Being a teenager can be tough, but it's also an exciting time of life. [teenager: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teenager is more commonly used than teen in everyday language. Teenager is a more neutral term that can be used in various contexts, while teen is more specific and often used in marketing or media targeting teenagers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between teen and teenager?
Teenager is more formal than teen, making it suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts. Teen is more casual and trendy, making it more appropriate for informal situations.
