Language/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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
In Japan, students study a variety of school subjects, divided into three main categories: humanities, sciences, and integrated studies. Here are some examples:
Humanities[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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!
➡ 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[edit | edit source]
- Japanese vocabulary list: School and Educational Institution Terms ...
- Japanese Schools Words and Vocabulary
- 60 Advanced Japanese Vocabulary Words for Anyone Teaching or ...
Congratulations on finishing this lesson! Explore these related pages to keep learning: Animals & Food.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Parts of the Body
- Mountain
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- Count from 1 to 10
- Sewing
- Months of the Year
- Useful phrases
- Numbers
- 四季 (The four seasons)