Language/Japanese/Culture/Educational-System-and-Vocabulary

Japanese Culture → Education and Science → Educational System and Vocabulary

As a Japanese language teacher, I believe that understanding the educational system and vocabulary is crucial for mastering the language. In Japan, education is highly valued and considered a key factor in personal and national success. In this lesson, we will explore the basic structure of the Japanese education system and the vocabulary and expressions commonly used in school and university settings.

Japanese Education System

The Japanese education system is divided into six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school, and four years of university. Admission to each school is based on academic performance and entrance exams. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is responsible for setting educational standards and curriculums, while each school has its own rules and regulations.

The learning environment in Japanese schools is generally focused on discipline, respect, and harmony. Students are expected to follow the teacher's instructions, maintain a clean and organized classroom, and participate in various extracurricular activities. The teacher plays a central role in the classroom and is respected as an authority figure. Therefore, addressing teachers with appropriate honorifics and expressions is important in Japanese school culture.

Vocabulary and Expressions

Here are some common Japanese vocabulary and expressions used in school and university settings:

Classroom

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
教室	kyōshitsu	Classroom
教壇	kyōdan	Teacher's desk
黒板	kokuban	Blackboard
消しゴム	keshigomu	Eraser
ボードマーカー	bōdomākā	Whiteboard marker
アルファベット	arufabetto	Alphabet

School Life

• 学校生活 (がっこうせいかつ) - School life
• 習い事 (ならいごと) - Extracurricular activities
• 授業参観 (じゅぎょうさんかん) - Classroom observation
• 委員会 (いいんかい) - Committee

School Subjects

• 数学 (すうがく) - Mathematics
• 国語 (こくご) - Japanese Language
• 社会 (しゃかい) - Social studies
• 理科 (りか) - Science
• 音楽 (おんがく) - Music
• 体育 (たいいく) - Physical education

University Life

• 大学生活 (だいがくせいかつ) - University life
• 単位 (たんい) - Credit
• 専攻 (せんこう) - Major
• 大学院 (だいがくいん) - Graduate school
• 研究室 (けんきゅうしつ) - Research laboratory

Conclusion

In summary, learning about the Japanese education system and vocabulary is important for those who want to understand the cultural and societal values of Japan. Addressing teachers with appropriate honorifics and using the correct vocabulary can help to facilitate communication in schools and universities. By understanding these basics, we can deepen our knowledge and appreciation of the Japanese language and culture.

Sources

• Education in Japan
• Japanese School System

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Hiragana Basics

• Hiragana Reading and Writing Practice
• Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure
• Particle は and が
• Verb Conjugation
• Noun and Adjective Modification
• Question Words and Phrases

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Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Describing People
• Counting Numbers and Time
• Basic Food and Drink Terminology
• Daily Activities and Hobbies
• Basic Directions and Transportation

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Geography and History

• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Brief History of Japan
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Popular Culture and Entertainment

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Conjugation
• Adjective Types and Usage
• Adverb Types and Usage
• Comparison and Superlative
• Adjective and Adverbial Modification

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Family and Social Relations

• Family Members and Titles
• Social Etiquette and Expressions
• Basic Workplace and Business Terminology
• Shopping and Consumer Culture

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Religion and Philosophy

• Shinto and Buddhism
• Zen and Samurai Culture
• Contemporary Spiritual Movements

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Particles and Conjunctions

• Particles に and で
• Particles へ and を
• Particles も and しか
• Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
• Conditional and Hypothetical Sentences

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Travel and Tourism

• Basic Travel and Tourism Vocabulary
• Famous Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
• Japanese Hospitality and Service Culture

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Education and Science

• Educational System and Vocabulary
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention

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Prepositions and Interjections

• Prepositions and Postpositions
• Emphasis and Intensification
• Exclamation and Impression Expressions

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Arts and Media

• Film and Theater Terminology
• Music and Dance Terminology
• Art and Literature Terminology

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Politics and Society

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Japanese Business and Work Culture

Related Lessons

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Calligraphy
• Why Learn Japanese
• Japan Timeline
• Public Holidays
• Popular Culture and Entertainment
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Japanese Business and Work Culture
• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology