It is the standard, everyday term for a Japanese high school.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Short for High School in Japan.
- Commonly used in daily conversation.
- Refers to students aged 15-18.
Overview
- 1概要：「こうこう（高校）」は、日本の教育制度における後期中等教育機関を指します。義務教育ではありませんが、日本国内のほとんどの生徒が進学する一般的な教育施設です。2) 使用パターン：名詞として単独で使われるほか、「高校生（こうこうせい）」「高校入試（こうこうにゅうし）」のように他の語と組み合わさって複合語を形成することが多いです。また、特定の学校名を呼ぶ際にも「〇〇高校」という形で使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：友人との会話や家族との進路相談、自己紹介などで日常的に使われます。特に「高校時代」という表現は、青春時代を振り返る際によく用いられます。4) 類似語との比較：「高等学校」は正式名称であり、公的な書類や学校の掲示物などで使用されます。「高校」は口語的で親しみやすい表現ですが、失礼な言葉ではありません。また、「中等部」や「高等部」といった言葉とは、教育段階が異なるため注意が必要です。
Examples
私は高校に通っています。
everydayI go to high school.
高等学校卒業証明書が必要です。
formalI need a high school graduation certificate.
高校、どこにするの？
informalWhich high school are you choosing?
高校教育の重要性について論じる。
academicDiscussing the importance of high school education.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
高校受験
High school entrance exam
高校生活
High school life
進学校
Preparatory high school
Often Confused With
This refers to middle school (ages 12-15). It is the level before high school.
This refers to university or college. It is the level after high school.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'koukou' for everyday speech. 'Koutougakkou' is reserved for formal documents or official introductions. Never use 'koukou' when referring to a university.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse 'koukou' with 'chuugakkou' (middle school). Remember that 'kou' relates to 'high' (koutou). Ensure the particle 'ni' is used with 'iku' (to go).
Tips
Use the short form daily
Always use 'koukou' in spoken Japanese. 'Koutougakkou' sounds too formal like a school announcement.
Do not confuse with junior high
Junior high school is 'chuugakkou'. Using 'koukou' for a 13-year-old is incorrect.
High school life is iconic
Japanese high school life is often depicted in anime and manga. It is considered a significant period of youth.
Word Origin
The word is a contraction of 'Koutou Gakkou', where 'Koutou' means 'high grade' or 'higher level'. It evolved as a convenient short form for daily usage.
Cultural Context
High school is a pivotal time in Japan, often involving intense entrance exams. The 'high school uniform' is a common cultural symbol in Japanese media.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kou-Kou' as 'High-High' (Koutou). It's the school that is higher than middle school.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「高等学校」は正式名称で、書類や公的な場に適しています。「高校」は日常会話や一般的な文脈で使われる略称です。
「高校生」は高校に通っている生徒を指します。年齢は通常15歳から18歳です。
いいえ、日本の義務教育は中学校までです。高校への進学は任意ですが、進学率は非常に高いです。
「高校に行く」「高校で勉強する」「高校の先生」など、文脈に応じて「に」「で」「の」などが使われます。
Test Yourself
私は来年、___ に入学します。
入学するのは場所である「高校」が適切です。
「高校生」は何歳くらいですか？
日本の高校は通常15歳から18歳までです。
（高校 / 行く / 私は / に）
日本語の基本語順は「主語＋目的語＋動詞」です。
Score: /3
Summary
It is the standard, everyday term for a Japanese high school.
- Short for High School in Japan.
- Commonly used in daily conversation.
- Refers to students aged 15-18.
Use the short form daily
Always use 'koukou' in spoken Japanese. 'Koutougakkou' sounds too formal like a school announcement.
Do not confuse with junior high
Junior high school is 'chuugakkou'. Using 'koukou' for a 13-year-old is incorrect.
High school life is iconic
Japanese high school life is often depicted in anime and manga. It is considered a significant period of youth.
Examples
4 of 4私は高校に通っています。
I go to high school.
高等学校卒業証明書が必要です。
I need a high school graduation certificate.
高校、どこにするの？
Which high school are you choosing?
高校教育の重要性について論じる。
Discussing the importance of high school education.
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