Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #6,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

保育園

hoikuen Top 6,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 保育園 em 30 segundos

Explicação 保育園 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'hoikuen' means a place where babies and small children go while their parents are at work. You can think of it as 'baby school' or 'daycare.' In Japanese, you use it with simple verbs like 'iku' (go) or 'aru' (there is). For example, 'Hoikuen ni ikimasu' means 'I go to the nursery school.' It is a very useful word because you will see these buildings everywhere in Japan, often with colorful pictures of animals on the outside. You might also hear parents calling their children at the gate. Just remember: it is for very young children, from babies to five-year-olds. It is different from a big school for older kids. If you see a small building with kids playing and a high fence, it is probably a hoikuen.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you should understand the difference between 'hoikuen' and other schools. A 'hoikuen' is specifically for parents who are busy working. You can start using more specific verbs like 'azukeru' (to leave/entrust) or 'mukae ni iku' (to go pick up). You might say, 'Watashi wa asa, kodomo o hoikuen ni azukemasu' (I leave my child at the nursery school in the morning). You should also recognize the kanji: 保 (protect), 育 (raise), and 園 (garden). This level also involves understanding basic schedules, like 'Hoikuen wa hachi-ji kara desu' (The nursery school starts from 8 o'clock). You will hear this word often when people talk about their daily routines and families. It is a very common part of daily life in Japan.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the social role of the 'hoikuen.' You likely know that it's a 'welfare facility' (fukushi shisetsu) rather than just an educational one. You can use terms like 'ninka hoikuen' (licensed daycare) versus 'ninkagai' (unlicensed/private). You might talk about the difficulty of 'hoikatsu' (searching for a daycare spot). A typical B1 sentence would be: 'Saikin wa hoikuen ni hairu no ga taihen desu' (Lately, it is difficult to get into a nursery school). You should also be comfortable using the word in professional contexts, such as explaining why you need to leave work early: 'Hoikuen no omukae ga aru node...' (Because I have to pick up [my child] from daycare...). You are moving beyond simple descriptions to explaining reasons and social situations.

At the B2 level, you can engage in deeper conversations about the 'hoikuen' system in Japan. You should understand the 'taiki jidō' (waiting children) problem and how it affects the workforce and gender equality. You can use the word in complex sentences, such as 'Hoikuen no kazu o fuyasu koto wa, shōshika taisaku no hitotsu desu' (Increasing the number of nursery schools is one of the measures against the declining birthrate). You should also be aware of the different types of daycare, such as 'shōmibo hoiku' (small-scale childcare). At this level, you can compare the Japanese system with the systems in your own country using specific vocabulary about subsidies, teacher-to-child ratios, and educational philosophies. Your usage of the word should reflect an understanding of its institutional importance.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'hoikuen' should include the legal and administrative nuances. You understand that 'hoikuen' is the colloquial term for 'hoikusho' as defined under the Child Welfare Act. You can discuss the 'Nintei Kodomo-en' system and the policy shifts aimed at integrating childcare and early education. You should be able to analyze the impact of 'hoikuen' quality on child development and the economic implications of the 'childcare wall' (hoiku no kabe). In discussions, you might use the word to critique urban planning or corporate support for working parents. You can read and summarize newspaper editorials or academic papers that mention 'hoikuen' in the context of social security reform. Your vocabulary is sophisticated enough to discuss the 'hoikushi' (daycare worker) shortage and its causes, such as low wages and high stress.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word 'hoikuen' and all its societal connotations. You can navigate the subtle emotional and political layers associated with the word, from the 'guilt' some parents feel to the political debates over 'free childcare' (hoiku no mushōka). You can interpret the nuances of how 'hoikuen' is portrayed in literature or film—as a symbol of community, a site of struggle, or a reflection of changing family structures. You are capable of participating in high-level policy debates or professional seminars regarding the future of 'hoikuen' in a post-demographic-transition society. Your usage is flawless, including the ability to use specialized terminology like 'shisetsu seibi-hi' (facility improvement costs) or 'hoiku hyōjun jikan' (standard childcare hours) without hesitation. You understand the word not just as a place, but as a critical node in the Japanese social safety net.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

保育園 em 30 segundos

Hoikuen is the Japanese word for a nursery school or daycare center, primarily serving working parents with children aged 0 to 5.
It is categorized as a social welfare facility and is regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, unlike kindergartens.
Commonly associated with 'hoikatsu' (searching for daycare) and the 'taiki jidō' (waiting children) social issue in Japan's urban areas.
Key verbs used with this word include 'azukeru' (to entrust/leave) and 'kayou' (to attend), reflecting its role in daily family life.

The Japanese word 保育園 (hoikuen) is a cornerstone of modern Japanese society, particularly for working families. It translates directly to 'nursery school' or 'daycare center.' Unlike a standard school for older children, a hoikuen is a welfare facility designed to care for infants and toddlers from as young as 57 days old up to age six, specifically for parents who are unable to provide care at home due to work, illness, or other commitments. The term is composed of three kanji characters: 保 (ho - to protect/maintain), 育 (iku - to nurture/raise), and 園 (en - garden/institution). Together, they evoke the image of a 'nurturing garden' where children are kept safe and encouraged to grow.

Category: Social Welfare / Education
Nuance: Specifically implies a facility for children of working parents, often with longer hours than a kindergarten.

In Japan, the distinction between a 保育園 (hoikuen) and a 幼稚園 (yōchien - kindergarten) is significant. While a kindergarten falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and focuses on early childhood education with shorter hours, the daycare center falls under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This means that hoikuen are often open from early morning until late evening to accommodate the rigorous Japanese work schedule. For many Japanese parents, getting their child into a reputable hoikuen is a major life milestone, often involving a complex application process known as 保活 (hokatsu).

来月から息子を保育園に預けることになりました。 (I have decided to leave my son at a nursery school starting next month.)

The word is used in daily conversation to discuss parenting, work-life balance, and urban development. You will hear it in news reports discussing the 'waiting list' problem (待機児童 - taiki jidō), in office small talk between colleagues about picking up their kids, and in neighborhood planning meetings. It is a neutral, essential noun that carries weight regarding the economic and social health of a community. If a town has many hoikuen, it is often seen as 'child-friendly' or 'supportive of working mothers.'

Culturally, the hoikuen is more than just a babysitting service; it is where children learn their first social skills, eat balanced meals prepared by nutritionists, and participate in seasonal Japanese festivals like Tanabata or Setsubun. Therefore, the word carries a sense of community care and the beginning of a child's social journey outside the family unit. It is a place of growth, safety, and essential support for the modern workforce.

Using 保育園 (hoikuen) correctly requires understanding its role as a destination and a facility. Because it is a physical location, it is frequently paired with directional particles like に (ni) or へ (he), and action-based particles like で (de). For example, to say 'The children are playing at the nursery school,' you would say 子供たちは保育園で遊んでいます (Kodomotachi wa hoikuen de asonde imasu).

Common Verb Pairings: 預ける (azukeru - to entrust), 通う (kayou - to attend/commute), 探す (sagasu - to look for), 申し込む (mōshikomu - to apply for)

One of the most common sentence structures involves the concept of 'sending' a child to daycare. While in English we might say 'I put my kid in daycare,' in Japanese, the focus is often on the act of 'leaving' them there or 'commuting' there. For example, 保育園に通わせる (hoikuen ni kayowaseru) means 'to make [one's child] attend nursery school.' This causative form is very common when parents talk about their choices for their children.

仕事に戻るために、娘を認可保育園に入れました。 (In order to return to work, I put my daughter into a licensed nursery school.)

In a professional context, you might explain your schedule by referencing the daycare's hours. 'I have to leave at 5 PM to pick up my child from the nursery school' would be 保育園のお迎えがあるので、5時に失礼します (Hoikuen no omukae ga aru node, go-ji ni shitsurei shimasu). Note how omukae (picking up) is treated as a noun here. This is a very common and polite way to set boundaries at work.

When discussing the quality or features of a facility, you might use adjectives like 賑やかな (nigiyaka na - lively), 厳しい (kibishii - strict), or 新しい (atarashii - new). For instance, この保育園は庭が広くていいですね (Kono hoikuen wa niwa ga hirokute ii desu ne) translates to 'This nursery school is nice because the yard is spacious.' Using the word in these descriptive ways helps build a picture of the environment where children spend their formative years.

Sentence Pattern: [Child] を [Hoikuen] に [Action Verb]. Example: 息子を保育園に送る (Sending my son to the nursery school).

You will encounter the word 保育園 (hoikuen) in a variety of real-world settings across Japan. Perhaps the most frequent place is in the morning and evening rush hours near train stations. You will see parents on power-assisted bicycles with one or two children in seats, heading toward the local hoikuen. In these moments, the word is often shouted by children—'Hoikuen ikitakunai!' (I don't want to go to daycare!)—or used by parents in hurried phone calls.

Setting: News & Media: Often heard in reports about the low birth rate (shōshika) and the shortage of daycare workers (hoikushi).

In the workplace, hoikuen is a frequent topic during lunch breaks or near the end of the day. Colleagues might discuss the difficulty of finding a spot in a specific ward's daycare system. You might hear, 'Hoikuen no aki ga nakute komatte imasu' (I'm in trouble because there are no openings in the nursery schools). This reflects the social reality of the 'waiting child' problem in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

駅の近くに新しい保育園ができたので、とても便利になりました。 (A new nursery school was built near the station, so it has become very convenient.)

If you are watching Japanese dramas (especially 'slice-of-life' or family dramas), the hoikuen often serves as a primary setting. Scenes of parents meeting at the gates, teachers (hoikushi) greeting children, and the colorful artwork on the walls provide a backdrop for stories about modern parenting. In these shows, the word is spoken with a mix of exhaustion and affection, representing the daily grind and the love for one's children.

Finally, in government offices (City Hall / Kuyakusho), the word is everywhere. There are entire departments dedicated to hoikuen applications. You will see brochures titled 'Hoikuen no Shiori' (Guide to Nursery Schools) and hear staff explaining the points system used to prioritize families for admission. In this context, the word is used very formally and technically, often accompanied by terms like setsu-bi (facilities) and te-in (capacity).

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 保育園 (hoikuen) with 幼稚園 (yōchien). While both involve young children, they are not interchangeable in Japan. If you tell a Japanese person you are sending your 1-year-old to a yōchien, they will be confused because yōchien generally only accepts children from age 3. Always use hoikuen for infants and toddlers, and for any facility that provides full-day care for working parents.

Mistake #1: Using 'hoikuen' to mean 'kindergarten' when referring to a 5-year-old's educational program (though they can overlap, the institutional distinction matters).

Another common error is with the teacher's title. In a school (gakko), you call a teacher sensei. While you also call daycare staff sensei when speaking to them directly, their professional title is 保育士 (hoikushi), not 教師 (kyōshi). If you are writing a formal report or an application, using the word kyōshi to describe daycare staff is technically incorrect and sounds unnatural.

❌ 幼稚園に赤ちゃんを預ける。 (Leaving a baby at a kindergarten.)
✅ 保育園に赤ちゃんを預ける。 (Leaving a baby at a nursery school.)

There is also a subtle mistake regarding the verb used for 'attending.' While you can say hoikuen ni iku (go to daycare), the more natural term for regular attendance is 通う (kayou). Furthermore, when a parent is the subject, they 'put' the child in daycare using 入れる (ireru) or 'entrust' them using 預ける (azukeru). Avoid using okuru (to send) as the primary verb unless you literally mean the act of driving them there in the morning.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of the long vowel in hoiku. It is ho-i-ku, not hoku. Dropping the 'i' sound makes the word unrecognizable. Similarly, ensure the 'en' at the end is crisp. Some learners accidentally say hoiku-in, but -in usually refers to hospitals (byōin) or clinics (iin), which would drastically change the meaning to something like 'childcare clinic.'

To truly master 保育園 (hoikuen), you must understand the landscape of similar terms. The most direct alternative is 保育所 (hoikusho). In casual conversation, people say hoikuen, but in legal documents, laws, and news broadcasts, you will almost always hear hoikusho. They refer to the exact same type of facility, so don't be confused if you see both on a single map.

Comparison: Hoikuen vs. Yōchien: Hoikuen: Welfare facility, ages 0-6, long hours, for working parents.
Yōchien: Educational facility, ages 3-6, short hours (usually ends by 2 PM), focused on school prep.

Another modern term is 認定こども園 (nintei kodomo-en). This is a hybrid institution that combines the functions of both a nursery school and a kindergarten. It's a relatively new category created by the government to streamline childcare and education. If you see this long name, just think of it as an 'all-in-one' childcare center.

最近は、保育園と幼稚園の機能を合わせた「こども園」が増えています。 (Recently, 'Kodomo-en,' which combine the functions of nursery schools and kindergartens, are increasing.)

For very small-scale childcare, usually for 5 or fewer children in a home-like setting, the term 家庭的保育 (kateiteki hoiku) or 保育ママ (hoiku mama) is used. This is distinct from a hoikuen, which is a larger, organized institution. Additionally, 託児所 (takujisho) refers to temporary childcare facilities, like those found in department stores, gyms, or event venues where you leave your child for just an hour or two while you shop or work out.

Finally, consider the term 学童保育 (gakudō hoiku). This is specifically 'after-school care' for elementary school students whose parents are still at work. While it contains the word hoiku, it is for older children and takes place after the regular school day ends. Knowing these distinctions will help you navigate the complex world of Japanese childcare without making social or logistical blunders.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The first 'hoikuen' in Japan was established in 1890 in Niigata Prefecture to care for the children of farmworkers during the busy harvest season.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /hɔɪ.kuː.en/

US /hoʊ.i.ku.ɛn/

In Japanese, the pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban), but locally the 'i' and 'ku' are clearly articulated without heavy stress on any single syllable.

Rima com

Koen (Park) Gakuen (Academy) Yochien (Kindergarten) Tien (Delay) Shien (Support) Kien (Flame) Zenn'en (Previous year) Teien (Garden)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it as 'hoku-en', skipping the 'i' sound.
Pronouncing 'en' as 'in', making it sound like a hospital (byōin).
Over-emphasizing the 'ho' like an English 'hoe'.
Merging the 'u' and 'e' into a single vowel sound.
Saying 'ho-i-ko-en', confusing the 'ku' with 'ko'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji are common but the third one '園' has many strokes. Recognizable by context.

Escrita 4/5

Writing '育' and '園' correctly requires attention to stroke order.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the 'i' is not skipped.

Audição 2/5

Very common word; easily identified in daily life.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

子供 (Child) 先生 (Teacher) 行く (Go) 働く (Work) 学校 (School)

Aprenda a seguir

幼稚園 (Kindergarten) 育児 (Child-rearing) 教育 (Education) 申請 (Application) 施設 (Facility)

Avançado

厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) 児童福祉法 (Child Welfare Act) 社会福祉法人 (Social welfare corporation)

Gramática essencial

Causative form (せる/させる) to indicate making someone attend.

子供を保育園に通わせる。

Particle 'ni' to indicate the destination of entrusting.

保育園に子供を預ける。

Particle 'de' to indicate the location of an activity.

保育園で昼寝をする。

Using 'no' to create noun phrases.

保育園のお迎え。

Adjective conjugation to describe the facility.

保育園は新しくて広いです。

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

保育園に行きます。

I go to the nursery school.

Uses the directional particle 'ni' with the verb 'ikimasu'.

ここは保育園です。

This is a nursery school.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

保育園に子供がいます。

There are children in the nursery school.

Uses 'ni' for location and 'imasu' for existence of living things.

保育園はきれいです。

The nursery school is clean/pretty.

Adjective 'kirei' describing the noun.

保育園で遊びます。

I play at the nursery school.

Uses 'de' to indicate the location of an action.

保育園の先生です。

She is a nursery school teacher.

Possessive particle 'no' links the place to the person.

保育園はあそこです。

The nursery school is over there.

Demonstrative 'asoko' for location.

保育園は楽しいです。

Nursery school is fun.

Adjective 'tanoshii' expressing a feeling about the place.

明日から保育園が始まります。

Nursery school starts from tomorrow.

Uses 'kara' to indicate the starting point in time.

保育園に息子を預けます。

I leave my son at the nursery school.

The verb 'azukeru' is essential for daycare contexts.

仕事のあと、保育園へ行きます。

After work, I go to the nursery school.

Uses 'no ato' to show sequence of events.

保育園の庭は広いです。

The nursery school's yard is spacious.

Descriptive sentence with the adjective 'hiroi'.

毎日、保育園に通っています。

I attend nursery school every day.

Verb 'kayou' in the continuous '~te iru' form.

保育園の給食はおいしいです。

The nursery school's lunch is delicious.

Compound noun 'hoikuen no kyūshoku'.

近くに良い保育園がありますか。

Is there a good nursery school nearby?

Question form using 'ka' and the existence verb 'arimasu'.

保育園で歌を歌いました。

We sang songs at the nursery school.

Past tense of 'utau' (to sing).

認可保育園に入るのは難しいです。

It is difficult to get into a licensed nursery school.

Nominalizing the verb 'hairu' with 'no' to make it a subject.

保育園のお迎えに間に合いません。

I won't make it in time for the nursery school pickup.

Uses 'ni maniau' (to be on time).

保育園の費用はいくらですか。

How much are the nursery school fees?

The noun 'hiyō' means cost or expense.

娘は保育園で友達ができました。

My daughter made friends at the nursery school.

The phrase 'tomodachi ga dekiru' means to make friends.

保育園の申し込みをしましたか。

Did you apply for the nursery school?

The noun 'mōshikomi' means application.

この保育園は延長保育があります。

This nursery school has extended childcare.

Compound term 'enchō hoiku' (extended care).

保育園の先生はとても親切です。

The nursery school teachers are very kind.

Adjective 'shinsetsu' (kind/helpful).

保育園では裸足で過ごします。

At the nursery school, we spend time barefoot.

The adverb 'hadashi de' means barefoot.

待機児童を減らすために保育園を増設する。

Increase the number of nursery schools to reduce waiting children.

Use of 'tame ni' to express purpose.

保育園の運営方針について話し合う。

Discuss the management policy of the nursery school.

The phrase 'ni tsuite' means 'about' or 'concerning'.

保育園での経験が子供の成長に影響する。

Experiences at nursery school affect a child's growth.

The verb 'eikyō suru' means to influence/affect.

企業内保育園を設置する会社が増えている。

The number of companies setting up on-site nursery schools is increasing.

Compound noun 'kigyō-nai hoikuen'.

保育園の入園式に家族で出席した。

The whole family attended the nursery school entrance ceremony.

The noun 'nyūenshiki' is the entrance ceremony.

保育園は、働く親にとって不可欠な存在だ。

Nursery schools are an indispensable existence for working parents.

The phrase 'ni totte' means 'for' (from the perspective of).

保育園の民営化が進んでいる。

The privatization of nursery schools is progressing.

The noun 'min'eika' means privatization.

保育園の質を維持することが課題だ。

Maintaining the quality of nursery schools is a challenge.

The verb 'iji suru' means to maintain.

保育園の待機児童問題は依然として深刻だ。

The problem of waiting children for nursery schools remains serious.

The adverb 'izen to shite' means 'still' or 'as before'.

保育園の無償化が少子化対策として導入された。

Free nursery school education was introduced as a measure against the low birth rate.

The noun 'mushōka' means making something free of charge.

保育園での虐待防止に向けたガイドラインが策定された。

Guidelines for preventing abuse in nursery schools have been formulated.

The verb 'sakutei suru' means to formulate or establish.

保育園の配置基準を見直す議論が活発に行われている。

Discussions to review the staffing standards of nursery schools are actively taking place.

The term 'haichi kijun' refers to staffing/placement standards.

保育園は単なる預かり所ではなく、教育の場でもある。

A nursery school is not merely a place of custody, but also a place of education.

The structure 'tannaru A dewa naku B' means 'not just A, but B'.

保育園の多様なニーズに応えるため、夜間保育も実施されている。

To meet diverse needs, night-time childcare is also being implemented at nursery schools.

The verb 'kotaeru' (to respond/meet) takes the particle 'ni'.

保育園の経営難により、閉園を余儀なくされるケースがある。

There are cases where nursery schools are forced to close due to management difficulties.

The phrase 'yogi naku sareru' means being forced to do something.

保育園と地域の連携を強化することが求められている。

Strengthening the cooperation between nursery schools and the local community is required.

The noun 'renkei' means cooperation or link.

保育園の公立から私立への移行は、自治体の財政負担軽減が背景にある。

The transition of nursery schools from public to private is set against the background of reducing the financial burden on local governments.

The noun 'haikei' (background) is used to explain underlying causes.

保育園の入所選考における「点数制」の公平性が問われている。

The fairness of the 'point system' in the nursery school admission selection process is being questioned.

The verb 'towarete iru' is the passive form of 'tou' (to question).

保育園というインフラが未整備な地域では、女性の社会進出が阻害される。

In regions where the nursery school infrastructure is underdeveloped, women's social advancement is hindered.

The verb 'sogai sareru' means to be hindered or obstructed.

保育園での「食育」は、子供たちの生涯にわたる健康意識の基礎を築く。

'Food education' in nursery schools builds the foundation for children's lifelong health awareness.

The phrase 'shōgai ni wataru' means 'spanning a lifetime'.

保育園の設置を巡る近隣住民との紛争は、都市部特有の課題である。

Conflicts with neighborhood residents over the establishment of nursery schools are a challenge unique to urban areas.

The grammar 'A o meguru B' means 'B concerning/surrounding A'.

保育園の保育士不足を解消するには、処遇改善が急務である。

To resolve the shortage of nursery school teachers, improving their treatment/working conditions is an urgent matter.

The noun 'kyūmu' means urgent business or pressing need.

保育園の役割は、時代の変遷とともに「保護」から「教育・支援」へと拡大してきた。

The role of the nursery school has expanded from 'protection' to 'education and support' along with the transition of the eras.

The noun 'hensen' means transition or change over time.

保育園の質的向上を図るためには、第三者評価の導入が有効である。

To aim for the qualitative improvement of nursery schools, the introduction of third-party evaluations is effective.

The phrase 'A o hakaru' means to aim for or attempt A.

Sinônimos

保育所託児所こども園ナーサリー乳児院学童保育家庭的保育認可園

Antônimos

家庭幼稚園自宅小学校

Colocações comuns

保育園に入れる

保育園に預ける

保育園のお迎え

保育園を探す

保育園に通う

認可保育園

保育園の先生

保育園の給食

保育園の空き

保育園の申し込み

Frases Comuns

保育園落ちた日本死ね

— A famous viral blog post title from 2016 expressing rage at the lack of daycare spots. It became a national catchphrase for childcare reform.

「保育園落ちた日本死ね」という言葉が国会で取り上げられた。

保育園のお迎えがあるので

— A standard phrase used to decline overtime work or end a meeting. It means 'Because I have to pick up my child from daycare.'

すみません、保育園のお迎えがあるのでお先に失礼します。

保育園ママ

— Refers to mothers who have children in daycare, often implying they are working mothers.

保育園ママ同士で情報を交換する。

保育園の送り迎え

— The act of both dropping off and picking up a child from daycare.

毎日の保育園の送り迎えは大変だ。

保育園の連絡帳

— A notebook used for daily communication between parents and daycare teachers.

保育園の連絡帳に体温を記入する。

保育園の洗礼

— The 'baptism' of daycare; refers to the period when a child first starts daycare and constantly catches colds.

入園して一ヶ月、保育園の洗礼を受けてばかりだ。

保育園行きたくない

— What children often say when they are reluctant to go in the morning.

朝、子供が「保育園行きたくない」と泣いた。

保育園の入園準備

— The preparation of goods (clothes, bags, bedding) needed before a child starts daycare.

週末は保育園の入園準備で忙しい。

保育園の夏祭り

— A seasonal event held at the daycare, often involving yukatas and games.

保育園の夏祭りで盆踊りを踊った。

保育園探し

— The act of looking for a suitable daycare spot (similar to 'hokatsu').

妊娠中から保育園探しを始める人もいる。

Frequentemente confundido com

保育園 vs 幼稚園 (Yōchien)

Kindergarten. Focuses on education for ages 3-5, usually with shorter hours than a nursery school.

保育園 vs 公園 (Kōen)

Public park. Both end in 'en' (garden), but have completely different purposes.

保育園 vs 病院 (Byōin)

Hospital. Ends in 'in', sounds slightly similar to 'en' to beginners.

Expressões idiomáticas

"待機児童"

— Children on waiting lists for nursery schools. Not an idiom per se, but a critical social concept.

都市部では待機児童問題が解消されていない。

Formal/News

"保活"

— Short for 'hoiku katsudō'. The 'activities' parents undertake to secure a spot in a nursery school.

激戦区での保活は非常に厳しい。

Colloquial

"保育の壁"

— The 'childcare wall'; the various obstacles parents face in balancing work and childcare.

保育の壁を乗り越えるための支援が必要だ。

Social Commentary

"小1の壁"

— The 'First Grade Wall'; the difficulty parents face when a child moves from daycare (long hours) to elementary school (shorter hours).

保育園時代より大変な「小1の壁」に直面する。

Social Commentary

"慣らし保育"

— The 'adjustment period' of childcare where a child goes for only a few hours a day to get used to it.

最初の二週間は慣らし保育です。

Neutral

"延長保育"

— Extended childcare beyond the standard operating hours.

残業の日は延長保育を利用する。

Neutral

"一時保育"

— Temporary or occasional childcare for parents who don't need regular daily care.

リフレッシュのために一時保育を利用した。

Neutral

"夜間保育"

— Night-time childcare for parents who work late shifts.

看護師などのために夜間保育を行う施設がある。

Neutral

"認可外"

— Unlicensed; refers to facilities not receiving government subsidies but often offering more flexibility.

認可外の保育園は料金が高い傾向にある。

Neutral

"病児保育"

— Childcare for children who are sick and cannot attend regular daycare.

子供が熱を出したので病児保育に預けた。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

保育園 vs 保育所

They mean the same thing.

Hoikusho is the legal term used in laws and official documents; Hoikuen is the common term used in signs and speech.

保育所の設置基準 (Legal) vs. 保育園に遊びに行く (Common).

保育園 vs 託児所

Both involve childcare.

Takujisho is usually temporary or private (like in a gym); Hoikuen is a registered, long-term welfare facility.

イベントの託児所 (Temporary) vs. 毎日通う保育園 (Regular).

保育園 vs こども園

It's a newer type of facility.

Kodomo-en is a hybrid of a nursery and a kindergarten. It's a specific administrative category.

認定こども園に申し込む。

保育園 vs 乳児院

Both care for small children.

Nyūji-in is a residential home for infants without guardians; Hoikuen is a daytime facility for children with guardians.

乳児院での生活。

保育園 vs 学童

Both provide care for working parents.

Gakudō is for elementary school kids after school; Hoikuen is for preschool-age children all day.

小学生になったら学童に行く。

Padrões de frases

[Place] に行きます。

保育園に行きます。

[Person] を [Place] に預けます。

娘を保育園に預けます。

[Place] のお迎えに行く。

保育園のお迎えに行く。

[Place] に入るのは難しい。

保育園に入るのは難しい。

[Place] を増やす必要がある。

保育園を増やす必要がある。

[Place] の無償化が始まった。

保育園の無償化が始まった。

[Place] の質的向上を図る。

保育園の質的向上を図る。

[Place] を巡る紛争が起きた。

保育園を巡る紛争が起きた。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

保育 (Care/Nurturing)

保育士 (Daycare worker)

保育料 (Daycare fees)

保育所 (Daycare center)

Verbos

保育する (To nurse/care for)

Relacionado

幼稚園 (Kindergarten)

乳児 (Infant)

幼児 (Toddler)

子育て (Child-rearing)

共働き (Dual-income family)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and news.

Erros comuns

Using 'yōchien' for a 1-year-old. → 保育園 (Hoikuen)
Kindergartens (yōchien) generally only accept children from age 3.
Saying 'hoikusho' in casual talk. → 保育園 (Hoikuen)
While correct, 'hoikusho' sounds like you are reading a law book. 'Hoikuen' is much more natural.
Pronouncing it 'hoku-en'. → Hoikuen (ほいくえん)
You must pronounce the 'i' clearly. Skipping it changes the word.
Using 'kyōshi' for the teacher. → 保育士 (Hoikushi) or 先生 (Sensei)
Daycare workers have a specific professional title 'hoikushi'. Calling them 'kyōshi' sounds odd.
Confusing 'hoikuen' with 'byōin'. → 保育園 (Hoikuen)
The 'en' vs 'in' ending is a common struggle for beginners. One is a garden/school, the other is a hospital.

Dicas

Bento Days

Even if your hoikuen provides lunch, they may have 'Bento Days' once a month or for excursions. Be prepared to make a cute lunch box!

Verb Choice

Use 'azukeru' (entrust) for the act of dropping off. It shows respect for the teacher's role in caring for your child.

Teacher Greetings

Always greet teachers with 'Ohayō gozaimasu' in the morning and 'Osewa ni narimashita' in the evening. It builds a good relationship.

Label Everything

Japanese daycare centers require you to label every single item, including every individual diaper, with your child's name.

The Mamachari

Most parents use electric power-assisted bicycles (mamachari) to transport kids to daycare. It's the standard 'commute' for families.

Suffixes

When referring to a specific daycare, add '-en' as a suffix, e.g., 'Sakura Hoikuen'.

Fever Rule

Most hoikuen have a '37.5°C rule.' If your child's temperature hits this mark, you will get a phone call to pick them up immediately.

Indoor Shoes

Children usually wear indoor shoes (uwabaki) or go barefoot. Check your school's specific policy before buying gear.

Local Events

Hoikuen often participate in local neighborhood festivals. It's a great way to meet neighbors and other parents.

Learn the Kanji

Recognizing the kanji '保育園' on maps is very helpful for navigating Japanese neighborhoods.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'HO-I-KU' as 'Home Is Cool' but since parents are at work, the 'EN' (Garden) is where the 'HO-I-KU' happens.

Associação visual

Imagine a bright yellow school bus or a colorful fence with a sun and a flower, which are common symbols on Japanese nursery school signs.

Word Web

Children Teacher Lunch Playground Working Parents Application Nap Time Safety

Desafio

Try to find three '保育園' signs on Google Maps in a Tokyo residential area like Setagaya or Nerima.

Origem da palavra

The term was formalized in the early 20th century as Japan modernized its social systems. It combines 'hoiku' (nurturing care) with 'en' (a garden or institution).

Significado original: A place focused on the protection and healthy upbringing of children in place of parents.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) roots.

Contexto cultural

Be sensitive when discussing 'waiting lists' with parents, as it can be a very stressful and emotional topic in Japan.

In the US/UK, 'daycare' or 'nursery' is often private. In Japan, most are heavily subsidized and regulated by the state, making them a public service.

Ponyo (Studio Ghibli film features a daycare center next to an elderly home) The 'Hoikuen ochita' blog post (Political milestone) Hajime no Ippo (Manga/Anime occasionally shows family life)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Morning Routine

保育園の準備 (Preparing for daycare)
遅刻しそう (Going to be late)
連絡帳書いた？ (Did you write the notebook?)
行ってきます (I'm off)

Workplace

お迎えの時間 (Pickup time)
時短勤務 (Reduced working hours)
子供が熱を出した (Child has a fever)
早退します (Leaving early)

City Hall

入園の申し込み (Application for entry)
空き状況 (Availability status)
必要書類 (Required documents)
点数が足りない (Points are not enough)

Parent Community

どこの園がいい？ (Which daycare is good?)
先生はどう？ (How are the teachers?)
行事が多い (Many events)
お弁当の日 (Bento day)

News/Politics

待機児童問題 (Waiting child problem)
保育士の待遇 (Treatment of teachers)
無償化 (Making it free)
少子化 (Declining birthrate)

Iniciadores de conversa

"お子さんは保育園に通っていますか？ (Does your child go to a nursery school?)"

"この辺りで評判の良い保育園を知っていますか？ (Do you know any nursery schools with a good reputation around here?)"

"保育園のお迎えは何時ですか？ (What time is your nursery school pickup?)"

"保活は大変でしたか？ (Was the daycare search difficult?)"

"保育園の給食、子供が大好きなんです。 (My child loves the nursery school lunch.)"

Temas para diário

今日は保育園で何があったか、子供の話を書きましょう。 (Write about what happened at the nursery school today based on your child's stories.)

保育園の先生に伝えたい感謝の気持ちを書きましょう。 (Write a message of gratitude that you want to convey to the nursery school teachers.)

理想の保育園はどのような場所ですか？ (What kind of place is your ideal nursery school?)

保育園の送り迎えで感じる季節の変化について書きましょう。 (Write about the seasonal changes you feel during the nursery school drop-offs and pickups.)

もし自分が保育園の先生だったら、子供たちと何をしたいですか？ (If you were a nursery school teacher, what would you want to do with the children?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

A hoikuen typically accepts children from as young as 57 days old (after the mother's maternity leave) up until they enter elementary school at age 6. Some facilities may have specific age limits depending on their size and licensing.

The main difference is the purpose and the hours. Hoikuen is a welfare facility for working parents (long hours, 0-5 years old), while yochien is an educational facility (shorter hours, 3-5 years old). Hoikuen is under the Ministry of Welfare, and yochien is under the Ministry of Education.

Standard hours are usually from 7:00 or 7:30 AM until 6:00 or 6:30 PM. Many also offer 'enchō hoiku' (extended care) until 7:00 or 8:00 PM for an extra fee.

For licensed (ninka) hoikuen, the cost is based on the household's income and the child's age. However, as of October 2019, childcare is free for all children aged 3 to 5 and for low-income families with children aged 0 to 2.

Hokatsu (保育活動) refers to the process of searching and applying for a daycare spot. In big cities, this can be very competitive and involves visiting schools, collecting points, and submitting paperwork months in advance.

Yes, licensed hoikuen are required to provide balanced, nutritious lunches and snacks (oyatsu) prepared on-site by licensed cooks or nutritionists.

The day usually includes free play, morning circle, outdoor time, lunch, a long nap (hirune), afternoon snack, and more play until pickup. They also do activities like drawing, singing, and seasonal crafts.

Generally, to enter a licensed hoikuen, you must prove a 'need for care,' such as employment, illness, pregnancy, or caring for another family member. If you don't work, you might use a yochien or a private (ninkagai) daycare.

Taiki jidō (待機児童) refers to children who qualify for daycare but cannot find a spot because facilities are full. This is a major social issue in urban Japan.

It is a daily communication notebook. Parents write about the child's sleep, breakfast, and mood, and teachers write about the child's activities and lunch at the daycare.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas