A nursery school is a child welfare facility for children whose parents cannot care for them during working hours.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A facility providing childcare for working parents.
- Categorized as a welfare facility for children.
- Differs from kindergarten in purpose and jurisdiction.
概要
保育園は、児童福祉法に基づき、保護者が労働や病気などの理由で家庭で保育できない乳幼児を預かる施設です。0歳から小学校就学前までの子供を対象としており、開所時間は幼稚園よりも長く設定されているのが一般的です。2) 使用パターン: 「保育園に通う」「保育園に預ける」「保育園の先生」といった形で日常的に使われます。また、行政上の手続きとして「保育園の入園申し込み」などの文脈でも頻出します。3) 一般的な文脈: 共働き世帯が増加する現代の日本において、保育園は非常に重要な社会インフラです。朝の送り迎えの風景は、日本の都市部でよく見られる光景です。4) 類似語との比較: 幼稚園は「学校教育法」に基づく教育施設であり、文部科学省の管轄です。一方、保育園は「児童福祉法」に基づく福祉施設であり、厚生労働省の管轄です。近年ではこれらを統合した「認定こども園」も増えています。
Examples
息子は4月から保育園に通い始めました。
everydayMy son started going to nursery school in April.
保育園の入園申し込みには書類が必要です。
formalDocuments are required for nursery school enrollment applications.
保育園、決まってよかったね。
informalI'm glad your nursery school spot was confirmed.
日本の保育園の待機児童問題は深刻である。
academicThe issue of children on waiting lists for nursery schools in Japan is serious.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
保育園の送り迎え
drop-off and pick-up at nursery school
保育園児
nursery school student
Often Confused With
Kindergarten focuses on education and usually has shorter hours. Nurseries (hoikuen) provide all-day care for working parents.
This is a hybrid facility that combines the functions of both a nursery and a kindergarten.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hoikuen' in everyday conversation to refer to daycare. Note that 'hoikusho' is the legal term used in documents. It is a neutral term, but context matters depending on whether you are talking to a teacher or an official.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse it with 'yochien' (kindergarten). Remember that 'hoikuen' implies the parents are working. Do not use it for schools that focus purely on academic preparation.
Tips
Use 'yochien' for educational focus
Remember that 'hoikuen' focuses on welfare and care, while 'yochien' is for early childhood education. Use the right term depending on the child's daily schedule.
Don't confuse with preschool
While similar, 'hoikuen' implies full-day care. Avoid using it to describe short-term playgroups.
The importance of 'hoikuen'
In Japan, securing a spot in a nursery is a major social issue known as 'taiki-jido'. It reflects the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Word Origin
The word comes from 'hoiku' (nurturing/childcare) and 'en' (garden/enclosure). It reflects the historical concept of a safe space for children's growth.
Cultural Context
The term is central to the 'taiki-jido' (waiting list) debate in Japan. It highlights the societal struggle of balancing traditional family roles with modern workforce participation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hoiku' as 'nurturing care'. Combine it with 'en' (garden/place) to remember it's a place for nurturing children.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions保育園は厚生労働省管轄の福祉施設で、主に共働きの家庭の子供を預かります。幼稚園は文部科学省管轄の教育施設で、教育を目的としています。
多くの保育園では生後57日目から預け入れが可能です。自治体によって受け入れ可能な年齢が異なる場合があります。
お住まいの市区町村の役所に相談し、入園の申し込みをする必要があります。家庭の状況を審査する選考が行われます。
はい、法律上は「保育所」が正式名称ですが、日常会話では親しみやすい「保育園」という呼び方が一般的です。
Test Yourself
共働きなので、子供を毎日___に預けています。
共働きで子供を預ける場所は保育園です。
保育園の説明として正しいものはどれですか？
保育園は福祉施設であり、保育を目的としています。
「子供を / 4月から / 保育園に / 通わせます」
時を表す言葉を文頭に置くと自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
A nursery school is a child welfare facility for children whose parents cannot care for them during working hours.
- A facility providing childcare for working parents.
- Categorized as a welfare facility for children.
- Differs from kindergarten in purpose and jurisdiction.
Use 'yochien' for educational focus
Remember that 'hoikuen' focuses on welfare and care, while 'yochien' is for early childhood education. Use the right term depending on the child's daily schedule.
Don't confuse with preschool
While similar, 'hoikuen' implies full-day care. Avoid using it to describe short-term playgroups.
The importance of 'hoikuen'
In Japan, securing a spot in a nursery is a major social issue known as 'taiki-jido'. It reflects the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Examples
4 of 4息子は4月から保育園に通い始めました。
My son started going to nursery school in April.
保育園の入園申し込みには書類が必要です。
Documents are required for nursery school enrollment applications.
保育園、決まってよかったね。
I'm glad your nursery school spot was confirmed.
日本の保育園の待機児童問題は深刻である。
The issue of children on waiting lists for nursery schools in Japan is serious.
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