Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Education

Japanese Vocabulary - Education

Hi Japanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn Japanese vocabulary related to education. Education in Japan is highly regarded, and the country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Japanese schools are also known for their emphasis on discipline and respect for authority. Let's start learning!

Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Constellations & How to say Good Bye?.

School Types

In Japan, there are different types of schools, each with its own unique features. Here are some common types:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
幼稚園	yōchien	Kindergarten
小学校	shōgakkō	Elementary school
中学校	chūgakkō	Junior high school
高校	kōkō	High school
大学	daigaku	College/University

Here's a dialogue to help you remember these school types:

• Person 1: うちの子どもは今年、幼稚園に入園するんです。 (My child will enter kindergarten this year.)
• Person 2: そうなんですか。私の子どもはもう中学校に通っています。 (Is that so? My child is already attending junior high school.)

Classroom Items

In Japanese schools, students use a variety of items in their classrooms. Here are some examples:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
教科書	kyōkasho	Textbook
ノート	nōto	Notebook
鉛筆	enpitsu	Pencil
消しゴム	keshigomu	Eraser
教卓	kyōtaku	Teacher's desk

You can use these new vocabulary words to describe your classroom or ask for items you need:

• Person 1: 先生、ノートがないんですが、貸してもらえますか？(Teacher, I don't have a notebook. Can I borrow one?)
• Person 2: はい、どうぞ。鉛筆はもっていますか？(Sure, here you go. Do you have a pencil?)

School Subjects

In Japan, students study a variety of school subjects, divided into three main categories: humanities, sciences, and integrated studies. Here are some examples:

Humanities

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
国語	kokugo	Japanese language
社会	shakai	Social studies
歴史	rekishi	History
地理	chiri	Geography
倫理	rinri	Ethics

• Person 1: 今日、どの授業が一番楽しいですか？(Which class is the most fun today?)
• Person 2: 私は倫理が一番好きです。 (I like ethics the most.)

Sciences

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
数学	sūgaku	Mathematics
物理	butsuri	Physics
化学	kagaku	Chemistry
生物	seibutsu	Biology
地学	chigaku	Earth science

• Person 1: 数学が苦手です。助けて！(I'm bad at math. Help!)
• Person 2: 大丈夫です。私が説明します。(It's okay. I'll explain it to you.)

Integrated Studies

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
総合	sōgō	Integrated studies
音楽	ongaku	Music
美術	bijutsu	Art
体育	taiiku	Physical education
技術	gijutsu	Technology

• Person 1: 私は音楽が得意です。 (I'm good at music.)
• Person 2: 私は技術が好きです。 (I like technology.)

School Events

Japanese schools hold many events throughout the year, such as sports day, cultural festivals, and graduation ceremonies. Here are some common events and their Japanese names:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
運動会	undōkai	Sports day
文化祭	bunkasai	Cultural festival
卒業式	sotsugyōshiki	Graduation ceremony
入学式	nyūgakushiki	Entrance ceremony
修学旅行	shūgakuryokō	School trip

• Person 1: 修学旅行はどこに行くんですか？(Where are you going on the school trip?)
• Person 2: 京都と奈良に行きます。(We're going to Kyoto and Nara.)

Conclusion

Now that you know more about education in Japan, you can use these new vocabulary words to describe your school experiences or talk to Japanese friends about their education. To improve your Japanese Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Japanese vocabulary list: School and Educational Institution Terms ...
• Japanese Schools Words and Vocabulary
• 60 Advanced Japanese Vocabulary Words for Anyone Teaching or ...

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