Translation and Meaning of: 母校 - bokou

The expression 「母校」(bokou) is a Japanese term that refers to the school or educational institution where a person completed their studies. It is not limited to just basic education; it can also include universities or any other type of educational establishment where a person has graduated. The word is composed of two kanji: 「母」(bo) which means "mother" and 「校」(kou) which means "school." The concept behind "mother school" evokes a sense of affection and gratitude towards the institution that provided the fundamental education of an individual.

Etymologically, the kanji 「母」 is used in many words that indicate origin or source, symbolizing care and nourishment. On the other hand, the kanji 「校」 is commonly associated with places of learning. The union of these ideograms forms an expression that conveys the feeling of gratitude towards school, as if it were almost a "mother", providing not only knowledge but also guidance and personal growth.

This expression is often used in an emotional and respectful manner, especially when talking about alumni reunions or school commemorative events. This emotional connection with the 「母校」 can be very strong for many, reflecting the importance of education and individual development in a broader societal context. Furthermore, upon returning to their 「母校」, many experience a feeling of nostalgia, reminiscing about past days, friendships made, and lessons learned.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同窓会 (Dōsōkai) - Reunião de ex-alunos
• 卒業校 (Sotsugyōkō) - Undergraduate school
• 出身校 (Shusshinkō) - School of origin or where they graduated
• Alma Mater - Institution where someone graduated; it can be used to refer to a specific school or college.

母校

Romaji: bokou
Kana: ぼこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Soul Mother

Meaning in English: alma mater

Definition: the school where I studied.

Example Sentences - (母校) bokou

See below some example sentences:

私の母校はとても素晴らしい学校です。

Watashi no bokou wa totemo subarashii gakkou desu

My primary school is a very good school.

My alma mater is a wonderful school.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 母校 - noun that means "school where one graduated"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my school"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful"
• 学校 - noun meaning "school"
• です - verb that indicates the polite way of affirming or asking something, in this case, "is"