年满 + 年龄
on reaching (an age); having turned (an age)
Structure
年满 数字 + 周岁／岁 （+ 的 + 人） ， 规定
What it means
Having reached the full age of X. It is the wording of laws, rules and notices that set an age threshold.
How it is built
年满 + number + 周岁 (or 岁), then 的 + noun, or a comma and the rule: 年满十八周岁的公民有选举权 (citizens who have turned eighteen can vote).
When to use it
Formal: laws, regulations, official notices. 周岁 counts real birthdays, unlike the traditional 虚岁, which starts at one; 年满十八岁 is fine in plainer writing. In everyday talk say 满十八岁.
Watch out
The negative is 未满: ✗ 不年满十八周岁 ✓ 未满十八周岁的未成年人. For a length of time rather than an age, use 满 alone: ✓ 工作满五年, 服役满两年.
Examples
年满十八周岁的男性公民，当年都要进行兵役登记。
Every male citizen who turns eighteen must register for military service that year.
年满六十周岁的老人，可以免费乘坐市内公交车。
People aged sixty and over can ride the city’s buses free.
孩子年满三周岁，就可以上幼儿园了。
Once a child turns three, he or she can start kindergarten.
Learn this in Lesson 202 · HSK 7–9: 参军 (Joining the army)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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