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A2 noun #6,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

中学校

chugakko Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 中学校 en 30 secondes

Explication 中学校 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 中学校 (chūgakkō) means 'junior high school.' It is a place where students go to study. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'I go to school' or 'The school is big.' At this stage, focusing on the kanji is less important than recognizing the sound 'chūgakkō' and associating it with the image of a school building. You should be able to identify it as one of the basic school levels in Japan, following 'shōgakkō' (elementary). Simple phrases like 'chūgakkō no sensei' (junior high school teacher) are useful. You don't need to worry about the complex social aspects of Japanese schools yet, just the basic noun itself.

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At the A2 level, you should understand the role of 中学校 within the Japanese education system. This is the 3-year period after elementary school. You should be able to describe your daily routine or past experiences using this word. For example, 'When I was in junior high school, I played soccer.' You should also be comfortable using basic particles like 'ni' (to), 'de' (at), and 'no' (possessive) with this word. Understanding the abbreviation 'chūgaku' is also helpful for listening comprehension. You should be able to talk about entering (nyūgaku) or graduating (sotsugyō) from junior high school as major life events.

At the B1 level, you can discuss more detailed aspects of 中学校 life. This includes talking about school clubs (bukatsu), entrance exams (juken), and specific subjects studied. You should be able to explain the difference between public (kōritsu) and private (shiritsu) junior high schools. Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like 'seifuku' (uniform) and 'kyōshitsu' (classroom). You can also use the word in more complex grammar structures, such as 'Even though I was busy in junior high school, I enjoyed it.' You should understand the social significance of 'senpai' and 'kōhai' relationships that begin to solidify during these three years.

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At the B2 level, you can engage in discussions about the Japanese educational system and the challenges faced by students in 中学校. Topics might include 'examination hell' (juken jigoku), the pressure of extracurricular activities, or social issues like 'futōkō' (school refusal). You should be able to use the word in formal contexts, such as writing a report or giving a presentation on education. You should also be familiar with academic terms like 'gakkū' (school district) and 'gimukyōiku' (compulsory education). You can compare the Japanese junior high system with that of your own country in detail, using nuanced vocabulary and appropriate registers.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 中学校 includes sociological and historical perspectives. You can discuss the evolution of the junior high school system since the post-war reforms (the 6-3-3 system). You are comfortable reading news articles or academic papers regarding educational policies, declining birthrates (shōshika) affecting school numbers, and pedagogical shifts toward 'active learning' in the junior high classroom. You can use the word in abstract discussions about adolescence and identity formation in Japanese society. Your command of the language allows you to use 'chūgakkō' as a springboard for deep cultural analysis.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word 中学校 and its myriad connotations. You can analyze the portrayal of junior high schools in classic and contemporary literature, film, and social critiques. You are capable of debating the merits of the current school system at a high level, discussing topics like educational equity, the psychological impact of standardized testing, and the role of schools in community building. You understand subtle linguistic nuances, such as how the choice between 'chūgakkō' and 'chūgaku' can signal different levels of emotional distance or institutional focus. You can navigate any professional or academic setting where Japanese secondary education is the topic of discussion.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

中学校 en 30 secondes

中学校 (Chūgakkō) refers to junior high school in Japan, covering grades 7-9 for students aged 12 to 15 years old.
It is the final stage of compulsory education in Japan, following elementary school and typically requiring students to wear formal uniforms.
The school life is defined by 'bukatsu' (clubs) and 'juken' (entrance exams), making it a high-pressure but socially formative period.
Commonly abbreviated as 'Chūgaku' in casual speech, it is a vital word for describing education, age, or navigating Japanese neighborhoods.

The Japanese word 中学校 (ちゅうがっこう - chūgakkō) refers specifically to junior high school, which constitutes the second stage of compulsory education in Japan. This period covers three years, typically for students aged 12 to 15. In the Japanese education system, this follows the six years of elementary school (小学校 - shōgakkō) and precedes the three years of high school (高等学校 - kōtōgakkō). Understanding this word requires more than just a dictionary definition; it involves understanding a pivotal transition in a Japanese person's life where academic rigor increases and social structures become more formalized.

Educational Context: In Japan, 中学校 is the final part of compulsory education. While most students continue to high school, it is not legally required beyond this point. This makes the graduation from junior high school a significant milestone.
Daily Life and Culture: This is the era of 'bukatsu' (extracurricular clubs). Students often spend more time at their 中学校 than at home, participating in sports or arts until late in the evening. It is also when students typically begin wearing formal school uniforms (seifuku).

私の弟は来月から中学校に入学します。(My younger brother will enter junior high school starting next month.)

Example of a major life milestone using Chūgakkō.

The term is composed of three kanji characters: 中 (middle), 学 (study/learning), and 校 (facility/school). Together, they literally translate to 'Middle Study Facility.' While English speakers might use 'middle school' and 'junior high' interchangeably, in Japan, the structure is strictly three years (7th, 8th, and 9th grades in the US system). Using this word evokes images of heavy backpacks (though different from the elementary 'randoseru'), intense preparation for high school entrance exams (juken), and the first steps into adolescence.

この中学校は、スポーツがとても盛んです。(This junior high school is very active in sports.)

Social Hierarchy: This stage is where the 'Senpai/Kōhai' (senior/junior) relationship becomes extremely prominent. First-year students (ichinessei) often show great deference to third-year students (sannensei), especially within school clubs.

When discussing 中学校, one often discusses the 'school district' (gakkū). In Japan, most students attend the public junior high school assigned to their residential area, walking to school in groups or individually. However, private junior high schools (shiritsu chūgakkō) are also popular, often requiring rigorous entrance exams even at age 12, a process known as 'chūgaku juken.'

近くの中学校からチャイムの音が聞こえます。(I can hear the sound of the chime from the nearby junior high school.)

Using 中学校 correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs and particles that describe attendance, graduation, and school life. Because it is a physical location and an institutional concept, the particles に, で, and を are frequently employed depending on the action being performed.

Attending School: The verb 通う (kayou) is used to express the regular habit of attending school. Example: '中学校に通う' (To attend junior high school).
Graduation and Entrance: Use 卒業する (sotsugyō suru) for graduating and 入学する (nyūgaku suru) for entering. These are major life events in Japan, usually occurring in March and April respectively.

彼は地元の公立中学校を卒業しました。(He graduated from a local public junior high school.)

When describing activities happening inside the school, use the particle で. For example, '中学校で英語を勉強する' (To study English at junior high school). If you are talking about the school as a destination, use へ or に. It is also common to use 中学校 as a modifier for other nouns, such as 中学校時代 (chūgakkō jidai - one's junior high school days).

中学校の先生になりたいと思っています。(I want to become a junior high school teacher.)

One common pattern is describing the transition between school levels. For instance, '中学校から高校へ' (From junior high to high school). This phrase is often used when discussing the continuity of education or the changes in a student's behavior as they grow older. Another important usage is describing the school's location or environment, as schools are central landmarks in Japanese neighborhoods.

この道を行くと、右側に大きな中学校があります。(If you go down this road, there is a large junior high school on the right.)

Specific School Names: When naming a specific school, the word 中学校 usually comes at the end. For example, 'Sakura Chūgakkō' (Sakura Junior High School). In address formats, this is vital for clarity.

Finally, when talking about one's past, 中学校 is often used with the time marker 'toki' (when). '中学校の時' (When I was in junior high) is a standard way to introduce a nostalgic story or a fact about one's upbringing. It serves as a temporal anchor for many Japanese speakers, as the experiences during these three years are often considered some of the most formative and memorable.

中学校の制服は、青い色をしています。(The junior high school uniform is blue.)

You will encounter the word 中学校 in a wide variety of settings in Japan, ranging from everyday conversations to news broadcasts and fictional media. Because junior high school is a universal experience for Japanese people, references to it are ubiquitous. Whether you are listening to a neighbor talk about their children or watching a popular anime, this word will appear frequently.

Anime and Manga: The 'school life' (gakuen) genre is massive. Many series are set specifically in a 中学校. Characters are often seen in their classroom, on the rooftop, or in club rooms. The word is used to establish the age and social status of the protagonists.
News and Public Announcements: Local news often reports on events at 中学校, such as sports tournaments (like the 'Chūtairen'), cultural festivals (bunkasai), or educational reforms. Public address systems in towns might announce school-related safety warnings or event schedules.

本日、北中学校で運動会が行われます。(Today, a sports day will be held at Kita Junior High School.)

Common phrasing for a public announcement.

In the workplace, colleagues might discuss their children's progress. You might hear, 'うちの娘は今年から中学校です' (My daughter is [starting] junior high school this year). This is a very common small-talk topic among parents. Additionally, when people meet for the first time, they might discuss where they grew up by mentioning their 中学校, as it helps establish common ground or shared acquaintances.

Train stations and bus stops also feature the word. You will see signs like '〇〇中学校前' (In front of 〇〇 Junior High School) as stop names. This makes the word essential for navigation. During the spring, you will see 'Congratulations on your entrance' (Go-nyūgaku omedetō) banners at the gates of 中学校 across the country, a sight that signals the change of seasons in the Japanese psyche.

このバスは、第一中学校を通りますか？(Does this bus go by the First Junior High School?)

Entertainment and Variety Shows: Variety shows often have segments where celebrities visit their old 中学校 to meet former teachers or surprise current students. The word is used with high frequency in these nostalgic narratives.

Lastly, in legal and administrative contexts, the term is used to define age groups for pricing or regulations. For example, 'Junior high school students and above' (chūgakkōsei ijō) is a common phrase at movie theaters, theme parks, and museums to indicate adult pricing or restricted access. Hearing this word at a ticket counter is a standard part of traveling in Japan.

中学校の時の先生に、偶然会いました。(I ran into my teacher from junior high school by chance.)

While 中学校 is a straightforward noun, English speakers often make mistakes based on differences between the Japanese and Western education systems, as well as nuances in Japanese grammar and register.

Confusion with 'Middle School': In the US, 'Middle School' can mean grades 6-8. In Japan, 中学校 is strictly grades 7-9. If you refer to a 6th grader (11-12 years old) as a 中学校 student, it is factually incorrect in a Japanese context.
Misusing 'Chūgaku' vs 'Chūgakkō': While 'Chūgaku' is a common abbreviation, you should not use it when referring to the official name of a school. Saying 'Sakura Chūgaku' instead of 'Sakura Chūgakkō' can sound overly casual or slightly disrespectful in formal documents.

❌ 私は中学校をしました。(I did junior high school.)
✅ 私は中学校に通いました。(I attended junior high school.)

Mistaking the verb: 'Suru' (to do) is not used for attending school.

Another common error is using the wrong word for 'student.' While 学生 (gakusei) generally means student, junior high school students are specifically called 生徒 (seito). Using 'gakusei' for a 13-year-old sounds slightly off to native ears, as 'gakusei' is usually reserved for university students, while 'seito' is for secondary education.

Learners also sometimes confuse 中学校 with 中等教育 (chūtō kyōiku). The latter is a more academic term for 'secondary education' which includes both junior high and high school. If you mean the specific building or the specific 3-year period, always stick with 中学校.

❌ 中学校は６歳から始まります。(Junior high starts at age 6.)
✅ 中学校は１２歳から始まります。(Junior high starts at age 12.)

Confusion with High School: In some languages, the word for 'middle' and 'high' school might be similar. In Japanese, 中 (chū - middle) and 高 (kō - high) are distinct. Mixing them up (e.g., calling a high schooler a 'chūgakkōsei') can cause confusion about their age and maturity level.

Finally, remember that 中学校 refers to the institution. If you want to talk about the students collectively, you must add 生 (sei) to get 中学生 (chūgakusei). You cannot say 'The junior high school is playing soccer' if you mean the students; you must say 'The junior high school students are playing soccer.'

❌ 私は中学校です。(I am a junior high school - literal meaning.)
✅ 私は中学生です。(I am a junior high school student.)

To truly master the vocabulary of Japanese education, it is helpful to compare 中学校 with related terms. Depending on the level of formality and the specific context, you might choose a different word to describe the same period of life or the same physical space.

中学 (Chūgaku): This is the most common abbreviation. It is used in almost all casual and semi-formal conversations. 'Chūgaku no koro' (Back in junior high) is more natural in spoken Japanese than the full 'Chūgakkō no koro'.
中等教育学校 (Chūtō Kyōiku Gakkō): This refers to a relatively modern type of school in Japan that combines junior high and high school into a single six-year program. It is a more technical and administrative term.

彼は私立の中学に通っています。(He attends a private junior high school.)

Example using the common abbreviation 'Chūgaku'.

When comparing 中学校 to other school levels, you will notice a clear pattern in the naming conventions. 小学校 (Elementary), 中学校 (Junior High), and 高等学校 (High School). Note that High School uses 'Kōtōgakkō' formally, but is almost always abbreviated to 'Kōkō' in daily life.

In a broader sense, 学校 (gakkō) is the generic term for school. If the specific level isn't important, you can simply use 'gakkō'. For example, 'I'm going to school' is usually 'Gakkō ni ikimasu'. However, Japanese people are generally very specific about school levels because the cultural expectations and social norms change so drastically between each stage.

日本の中学校は、義務教育の一部です。(Japanese junior high school is part of compulsory education.)

Comparative Table

小学校 (Shōgakkō): Grades 1-6, ages 6-12.
中学校 (Chūgakkō): Grades 7-9, ages 12-15.
高等学校 (Kōtōgakkō): Grades 10-12, ages 15-18.

Finally, consider the term 母校 (bokō), which means 'alma mater'. If you are visiting the junior high school you graduated from, you might call it 'watashi no bokō'. This carries a sense of affection and personal history that the clinical 'chūgakkō' lacks on its own.

懐かしい私の中学校に戻ってきました。(I have returned to my nostalgic junior high school.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Before the current 6-3-3 system was established after WWII, '中学校' referred to a 5-year school for boys only, which served as a bridge to higher education.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tʃuːˈɡæk.kɔː/

US /tʃuːˈɡɑː.koʊ/

The stress is relatively flat in Japanese, but a slight rise occurs on the 'gakkō' part in natural speech.

Rime avec

小学校 (shōgakkō) 高等学校 (kōtōgakkō) 専門学校 (senmongakkō) 夜学校 (yagakkō) 大学校 (daigakkō) 本校 (honkō) 廃校 (haikō) 登校 (tōkō)

Erreurs fréquentes

Shortening the long 'ū' in 'chū'.
Shortening the long 'ō' in 'gakkō'.
Missing the double 'k' (sokuon) sound between 'ga' and 'ko'.
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'sh'.
Confusing the pitch accent, making it sound like 'middle' instead of 'middle school'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji are basic but the word is long. Easy to recognize after a few sightings.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '学' and '校' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is rhythmic and easy once the long vowels are mastered.

Écoute 1/5

Very distinct sound that is hard to confuse with other common words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

学校小学校先生学生勉強

Apprends ensuite

高等学校大学部活動制服試験

Avancé

義務教育教育課程偏差値不登校通信制

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + の時 (no toki)

中学校の時、よく図書館へ行きました。

Noun + に通う (ni kayou)

私は歩いて中学校に通っています。

Noun + を卒業する (o sotsugyō suru)

兄は去年、中学校を卒業しました。

Noun + に入学する (ni nyūgaku suru)

妹は来月、中学校に入学します。

Noun + らしい (rashii)

あの子は、とても中学校生らしい服装をしている。

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Exemples par niveau

これは中学校です。

This is a junior high school.

Basic 'A is B' structure using 'desu'.

中学校は大きいです。

The junior high school is big.

Adjective 'ōkii' modifying the noun.

私は中学校に行きます。

I go to junior high school.

Directional particle 'ni' with the verb 'ikimasu'.

中学校の先生は優しいです。

The junior high school teacher is kind.

Possessive particle 'no' linking two nouns.

どこが中学校ですか？

Where is the junior high school?

Question word 'doko' with particle 'ga'.

中学校に本があります。

There are books at the junior high school.

Existence particle 'ni' with 'arimasu'.

中学校はあそこです。

The junior high school is over there.

Demonstrative 'asoko' indicating location.

中学校の門です。

It is the gate of the junior high school.

Noun + 'no' + Noun.

中学校で日本語を勉強しました。

I studied Japanese at junior high school.

Location particle 'de' for an action.

中学校の時、テニスをしました。

When I was in junior high, I played tennis.

'No toki' meaning 'at the time of'.

家から中学校まで歩きます。

I walk from my house to the junior high school.

'Kara... made' meaning 'from... to'.

中学校は８時に始まります。

Junior high school starts at 8 o'clock.

Time particle 'ni' with the verb 'hajimarimasu'.

中学校の制服はかっこいいです。

The junior high school uniform is cool.

Adjective 'kakkoii' describing a noun.

中学校の友達に会いました。

I met my junior high school friend.

Target particle 'ni' with the verb 'aimashita'.

私の町には中学校が三つあります。

There are three junior high schools in my town.

Counter 'mitsu' for schools.

中学校を卒業して、高校に入ります。

I will graduate from junior high and enter high school.

Te-form of 'sotsugyō suru' for sequential actions.

中学校の部活動はとても忙しいです。

Junior high school club activities are very busy.

Compound noun 'bu-katsudō'.

兄は私立の中学校に通っています。

My older brother is attending a private junior high school.

Continuous form 'kayotte imasu'.

中学校のテストは小学校より難しいです。

Junior high school tests are harder than elementary school ones.

Comparison structure 'A wa B yori'.

中学校時代、一番楽しかったことは何ですか？

What was the most enjoyable thing during your junior high school days?

Compound noun 'chūgakkō jidai'.

中学校の給食はとてもおいしかったです。

The junior high school lunch was very delicious.

Specific noun 'kyūshoku' (school lunch).

中学校に入ってから、英語の勉強を始めました。

I started studying English after entering junior high school.

'V-te kara' meaning 'after doing V'.

近所の中学校で夏祭りが開かれます。

A summer festival will be held at the neighborhood junior high school.

Passive verb 'hirakaremasu' (to be held).

中学校の先生になるために、大学で勉強しています。

I am studying at university in order to become a junior high school teacher.

'Tame ni' indicating purpose.

日本の中学校では、制服を着るのが一般的です。

In Japanese junior high schools, it is common to wear uniforms.

Nominalizing 'kiru' with 'no' + 'ippanteki' (common).

中学校の３年間で、心も体も大きく成長します。

During the three years of junior high school, both mind and body grow significantly.

'A mo B mo' meaning 'both A and B'.

中学校の入試に向けて、塾に通う生徒が増えています。

The number of students attending cram schools for junior high entrance exams is increasing.

'Ni mukete' meaning 'towards/aiming for'.

中学校の教育課程が見直されることになりました。

It has been decided that the junior high school curriculum will be reviewed.

'Koto ni narimashita' indicating an external decision.

彼は中学校の数学の教師として採用されました。

He was hired as a mathematics teacher for a junior high school.

'...to shite' meaning 'as (a role)'.

中学校でのいじめ問題は、社会的な課題となっています。

The problem of bullying in junior high schools has become a social issue.

Noun + 'de no' + Noun indicating location of the issue.

多くの中学校では、修学旅行で京都や奈良を訪れます。

Many junior high schools visit Kyoto or Nara on their school trips.

Specific term 'shūgaku ryokō' (school trip).

中学校の校則が厳しすぎると、批判する声もあります。

There are voices criticizing that junior high school rules are too strict.

Verb stem + 'sugiru' (too much).

中学校における道徳教育の重要性が再認識されています。

The importance of moral education in junior high schools is being recognized once again.

Formal particle 'ni okeru' (in/at).

少子化の影響で、中学校の統廃合が進んでいます。

Due to the declining birthrate, the consolidation and closing of junior high schools is progressing.

Compound noun 'tōhaigō' (merger and abolition).

中学校の教員の長時間労働が大きな社会問題となっています。

The long working hours of junior high school teachers have become a major social problem.

Compound noun 'chōjikan rōdō'.

中学校時代に形成された人間関係が、その後の人生に影響を与えることも多い。

Relationships formed during junior high school often influence one's later life.

Relative clause modifying 'ningen kankei'.

公立中学校と私立中学校の教育格差について議論が行われた。

A discussion was held regarding the educational gap between public and private junior high schools.

Specific term 'kyōiku kakusa' (educational gap).

中学校の英語教育において、スピーキング能力の向上が求められている。

In junior high school English education, improvement in speaking ability is being demanded.

Passive form 'motomerarete iru'.

中学校を中退する生徒の背景には、複雑な家庭環境がある場合が多い。

Behind the students who drop out of junior high school, there are often complex family environments.

Verb 'chūtai suru' (to drop out).

中学校の部活動指導の外部委託が検討されている。

Outsourcing the guidance of junior high school club activities is being considered.

Compound noun 'gaibu itaku' (outsourcing).

中学校という多感な時期における教育の在り方を根本から問い直す必要がある。

It is necessary to fundamentally rethink the nature of education during the sensitive period of junior high school.

Abstract phrasing '...no arikata' (the way things should be).

中学校教育の画一性が、個々の生徒の才能の芽を摘んでいるという批判がある。

There is criticism that the uniformity of junior high education is nipping the buds of individual students' talents.

Metaphorical expression 'me o tsumu' (to nip in the bud).

中学校におけるアクティブ・ラーニングの導入は、従来の教師主導の授業スタイルを劇的に変える可能性を秘めている。

The introduction of active learning in junior high schools holds the potential to dramatically change traditional teacher-led lesson styles.

'...o himete iru' (to hold/harbor potential).

中学校のスクールカウンセラーの役割は、生徒のメンタルヘルス維持において不可欠なものとなっている。

The role of the school counselor in junior high schools has become indispensable in maintaining students' mental health.

Adjective 'fukatsu' (indispensable).

中学校の歴史教科書検定を巡る議論は、しばしば政治的な争点へと発展する。

Discussions surrounding the certification of junior high school history textbooks often develop into political issues.

'...o meguru' (surrounding/regarding).

中学校段階でのキャリア教育は、生徒が将来の職業観を養うための重要な契機となる。

Career education at the junior high school stage serves as an important opportunity for students to develop their views on future professions.

Noun 'keiki' (opportunity/turning point).

中学校の放課後活動の多様化は、地域コミュニティとの連携強化を促進している。

The diversification of after-school activities in junior high schools is promoting the strengthening of ties with local communities.

Verb 'sokusin suru' (to promote/accelerate).

中学校における不登校児童への支援体制の拡充が、喫緊の課題として浮上している。

The expansion of the support system for students not attending junior high school has emerged as an urgent issue.

Adjective 'kikkin' (urgent/pressing).

Collocations courantes

中学校に通う

中学校を卒業する

中学校に入学する

市立中学校

私立中学校

中学校の制服

中学校の先生

中学校時代

中学校の部活

中学校の校則

Phrases Courantes

中学校の修学旅行

— The mandatory school trip taken in the 3rd year of junior high school.

中学校の修学旅行で沖縄に行きました。

中学校の運動会

— The annual sports festival held at the school.

中学校の運動会は、地域の人も応援に来ます。

中学校の文化祭

— The annual cultural festival where students showcase projects and performances.

中学校の文化祭で劇を披露しました。

中学校の三年間

— The entire duration of junior high school.

中学校の三年間は、あっという間でした。

中学校の給食

— The school lunch provided to students.

中学校の給食には、たまに揚げパンが出ます。

中学校の定期テスト

— The periodic mid-term and final exams.

中学校の定期テストのために、徹夜で勉強しました。

中学校の卒業式

— The graduation ceremony for junior high school.

中学校の卒業式で、みんなと涙を流しました。

中学校の通学路

— The specific route students take to get to school.

中学校の通学路には、きれいな花が咲いています。

中学校の教科書

— The textbooks used in junior high school.

中学校の教科書は、小学校のものより厚いです。

中学校の同窓会

— A reunion for graduates of the same junior high school.

二十年ぶりに中学校の同窓会が開かれました。

Souvent confondu avec

中学校 vs 小学校

Elementary school (grades 1-6). Beginners sometimes swap the 'shō' and 'chū' prefixes.

中学校 vs 高等学校

High school (grades 10-12). Often confused because both are secondary education.

中学校 vs 中学校生

While 'chūgakkōsei' is technically correct, 'chūgakusei' (dropping the 'kō') is the standard way to say 'student'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"中学デビュー"

— Changing one's appearance or personality drastically when entering junior high to seem 'cool' or 'reborn'.

彼は中学デビューに失敗して、恥ずかしい思いをした。

Slang/Colloquial

"中学校の門を叩く"

— Literally 'knocking on the gate,' but figuratively starting one's life as a junior high student.

希望を胸に、中学校の門を叩いた。

Literary

"鉄は熱いうちに打て"

— Strike while the iron is hot. Often applied to junior high education to emphasize early habit formation.

中学校での勉強は、鉄は熱いうちに打て、という言葉通りだ。

Proverb

"可愛い子には旅をさせよ"

— Spare the rod and spoil the child. Often said when students go on their first overnight school trips.

中学校の修学旅行は、可愛い子には旅をさせよの精神ですね。

Proverb

"文武両道"

— Being talented in both academics and sports, a common goal for junior high students.

中学校では、文武両道を目指して頑張ります。

Idiom

"三日坊主"

— Someone who gives up easily. Often used for students starting a new club in junior high.

中学校の部活を三日坊主で辞めてはいけない。

Idiom

"井の中の蛙"

— A frog in a well. Used when students from a small elementary school enter a large junior high.

中学校に入って、自分が井の中の蛙だったと気づいた。

Proverb

"切磋琢磨"

— Cultivating one's character by studying hard with friends in school.

中学校の仲間と切磋琢磨して、受験を乗り越えた。

Idiom

"一生の宝物"

— A treasure for life. Often used to describe memories made in junior high school.

中学校での経験は、私にとって一生の宝物です。

Common Expression

"初心忘るべからず"

— Never forget your original intention. Advice given to students entering junior high.

中学校に入学した時の初心忘るべからずですよ。

Proverb

Facile à confondre

中学校 vs 学生 (gakusei)

Both mean 'student'.

'Gakusei' is usually for university students, while 'seito' is for junior high/high school students.

彼は中学校の生徒です。

中学校 vs 教室 (kyōshitsu)

Both relate to school.

'Chūgakkō' is the whole building/institution; 'kyōshitsu' is a single room.

中学校の教室で勉強します。

中学校 vs 担任 (tannin)

Both relate to school personnel.

'Chūgakkō no sensei' is any teacher; 'tannin' is the specific homeroom teacher.

私の中学校の担任は、数学の先生でした。

中学校 vs 校舎 (kōsha)

Both refer to the school.

'Chūgakkō' is the institution; 'kōsha' is the physical building itself.

新しい中学校の校舎が完成しました。

中学校 vs 通学 (tsūgaku)

Both relate to going to school.

'Chūgakkō' is the destination; 'tsūgaku' is the act of commuting to school.

中学校への通学に一時間かかります。

Structures de phrases

これは[中学校]です。

これは日本の中学校です。

[中学校]に通っています。

弟は毎日、中学校に通っています。

[中学校]の時、[Verb-ta]ことがあります。

中学校の時、ピアノを習ったことがあります。

[中学校]では、[Noun]が義務付けられています。

多くの中学校では、制服の着用が義務付けられています。

[中学校]における[Noun]は、[Noun]に寄与する。

中学校における部活動は、社会性の育成に寄与する。

[中学校]という[Noun]の枠組みを超えて、[Sentence]。

中学校という教育の枠組みを超えて、地域全体で子供を育てるべきだ。

Famille de mots

Noms

中学生 (Student)

中学 (Abbreviation)

中学校長 (Principal)

中学校舎 (Building)

Verbes

中学校に通う (To attend)

中学校を卒業する (To graduate)

中学校に入学する (To enter)

Adjectifs

中学校らしい (Like a junior high school)

中学校的な (Junior high-like)

Apparenté

部活動

制服

給食

担任

期末試験

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, media, and education.

Erreurs courantes

Using '中学校' for a 6th grader. → 小学校 (Elementary)
In Japan, 6th grade is the final year of elementary school. Junior high only starts from 7th grade (age 12-13).
Saying '中学校をします' for 'I go to junior high'. → 中学校に通っています
You cannot 'do' a school; you must 'attend' (kayou) or 'go to' (iku) it.
Writing '中学校' as '中等学校' in daily life. → 中学校
'Chūtōgakkō' is an obsolete or very formal term. 'Chūgakkō' is the standard modern term.
Calling yourself a '中学校' when you mean 'student'. → 中学生 (Chūgakusei)
Adding 'sei' (生) is necessary to refer to the person rather than the institution.
Confusing '中学校' with '中等部'. → 中学校
'Chūtōbu' is specifically the junior high section of a combined 6-year private school. Use '中学校' for general contexts.

Astuces

Try the Lunch

If you ever visit a Japanese junior high, the school lunch (kyūshoku) is a great way to understand the culture of health and cooperation. Students serve each other and eat together.

Use the Short Form

When talking to friends about your past, use 'Chūgaku no toki' instead of 'Chūgakkō no toki' to sound more like a native speaker. It flows better in casual conversation.

Senpai-Kohai

Understand that the junior high years are where the senpai-kohai (senior-junior) dynamic is most strictly learned. Showing respect to those in older grades is vital in this environment.

Bus Stops

Look for the characters '中学校' on bus stop signs. They are great landmarks if you are lost in a residential neighborhood, as every neighborhood has one.

Particle Choice

Remember to use 'de' when an action is happening inside the school (中学校で勉強する) and 'ni' when you are going to or arriving at the school (中学校に行く).

Kanji Breakdown

Focus on '中' (Middle) as your anchor. If you see '中' at the start of a school-related word, it's almost certainly referring to junior high.

Juken Prep

If you are reading about Japanese teens, you'll see 'juken' (exams) mentioned often with 'chūgakkō'. The end of junior high is a very stressful time for many students.

Anime Settings

Watch 'slice of life' anime set in junior high. You will hear 'chūgakkō' and 'chūgaku' constantly, helping you learn how it's used in natural contexts.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of '校'. The left side is 'tree' (木), which makes sense because old schools were made of wood!

Age Association

Associate 'chūgakkō' with the age 13. It's the 'middle' of childhood and adulthood, just like the school is in the 'middle' of the education system.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'CHEW' (Chū) as the age when kids are always eating, 'GAK' (Gak) as the sound of studying hard, and 'KO' (Kō) as the school building.

Association visuelle

Imagine a student in a black blazer (Gakuran) or sailor suit (Sailor-fuku) standing in the 'Middle' of a bridge between a small building (Elementary) and a large university.

Word Web

中 (Middle) 学 (Study) 校 (School) 生 (Student) 部 (Club) 試 (Test) 師 (Teacher) 卒 (Graduate)

Défi

Write three sentences about what you would do if you could go back to your junior high school for one day.

Origine du mot

The term '中学校' was formalized during the Meiji Era as part of Japan's modernization of its education system. It followed the Western models of secondary education.

Sens originel : Literally 'Middle School Institution' (中 = Middle, 学 = Study, 校 = School).

Sino-Japanese (Kango) vocabulary, using characters originally from China.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'school refusal' (futōkō) or bullying, as these are sensitive and serious topics in Japanese junior high schools.

In the US, 'Middle School' is often grades 6-8, while 'Junior High' is 7-9. In Japan, it is always 7-9. UK 'Secondary School' starts earlier.

Anime: 'Teasing Master Takagi-san' (set in junior high) Movie: 'Battle Royale' (features a junior high class) Book: 'Kokoro' by Soseki Natsume (mentions old system)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Introducing oneself

中学校の教師です
中学校に通っています
中学校を卒業しました
地元の中学校出身です

Giving directions

中学校の角を曲がってください
中学校の向かいにあります
中学校の隣です
中学校の前で止まってください

Talking about family

息子が中学校に入りました
中学校の制服を買いました
中学校の行事があります
中学校の三者面談です

Nostalgia/Stories

中学校の頃は...
中学校の部活で...
中学校の先生に...
中学校の同級生と...

Official business

中学校の証明書
中学校の学区
中学校の連絡網
中学校の運営協議会

Amorces de conversation

"中学校の時、何の部活に入っていましたか？ (What club were you in during junior high?)"

"あなたの中学校は、制服がありましたか？ (Did your junior high school have uniforms?)"

"中学校の時の得意な科目は何でしたか？ (What was your best subject in junior high?)"

"中学校の給食で何が一番好きでしたか？ (What was your favorite school lunch in junior high?)"

"中学校の修学旅行はどこへ行きましたか？ (Where did you go for your junior high school trip?)"

Sujets d'écriture

中学校時代の自分に、今の自分からアドバイスを書いてください。 (Write advice from your current self to your junior high self.)

あなたの中学校の初日の思い出を詳しく書いてください。 (Describe your memories of the first day of junior high school in detail.)

理想的な中学校は、どのような学校だと思いますか？ (What kind of school do you think an ideal junior high school is?)

中学校の先生の中で、一番印象に残っている人は誰ですか？ (Who is the most memorable teacher from your junior high school?)

中学校の三年間で、自分がどのように変わったか書いてください。 (Write about how you changed during the three years of junior high school.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In Japan, junior high school (中学校) covers the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. These are often referred to as 1st year (ichinessei), 2nd year (ninensei), and 3rd year (sannensei) of junior high.

Yes, junior high school is part of compulsory education (gimukyōiku) in Japan. Every child must attend until the end of the school year in which they turn 15.

The vast majority of public and private junior high schools require students to wear a uniform (seifuku). This is a significant cultural shift from elementary school, where many public schools do not require uniforms.

Bukatsu (部活動) are extracurricular clubs. Most junior high students join one, such as baseball, brass band, or art. They often practice every day and are a major part of the school experience.

Public junior high schools usually do not have entrance exams; you attend the one in your district. However, private and some prestigious national junior high schools require difficult entrance exams (chūgaku juken).

'Chūgakkō' is the full, formal name of the school. 'Chūgaku' is a common abbreviation used in casual conversation and when referring to the period of time (e.g., 'when I was in junior high').

Classes typically run from around 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, but students in clubs often stay at school until 6:00 PM or later.

In most Japanese junior high schools, students stay in their homeroom classroom, and the teachers for different subjects (math, science, etc.) rotate to them.

Kyūshoku is the school lunch. In most public junior high schools, a standardized healthy lunch is provided and served by the students themselves in their classrooms.

Yes, a unique feature of Japanese schools, including junior high, is 'sōji' time. Every day, students spend about 15-20 minutes cleaning the classrooms, hallways, and toilets.

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