Translation and Meaning of: 高校 - koukou
If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the country's culture, you may have come across the word 高校 (こうこう). It often appears in animes, dramas, and even in everyday conversations. But what exactly does it mean? How is it used in Japan? In this article, we will explore the meaning, the origin, and the contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.
高校 (こうこう) significa "high school" em inglês.
The word 高校 is an abbreviation of 高等学校 (こうとうがっこう), which means "high school" or "secondary school." In the Japanese educational system, it represents the stage that comes after junior high school (中学校) and before higher education (大学). Unlike Brazil, where high school lasts three years, in Japan it also lasts three years but is attended by students between 15 and 18 years old.
It is worth noting that 高校 does not refer to just any type of secondary school. It specifically indicates institutions that prepare students for the entrance exams and adult life. If you watch animes like "K-On!" or "Assassination Classroom," you will notice that the school settings often revolve around a 高校.
Origin and composition of kanjis
The term 高校 is composed of two kanjis: 高 (high, elevated) and 校 (school). Together, they convey the idea of a "high school," referring to the advanced stage of basic education. The abbreviation emerged as a quicker way to refer to 高等学校, which is the formal term.
It is interesting to note that the kanji 校 also appears in other words related to education, such as 小学校 (shōgakkō, elementary school) and 中学校 (chūgakkō, junior high school). This consistency helps Japanese learners associate the character with the school context.
How and when to use 高校 in daily life
In Japan, 高校 is a commonly used word, especially among teenagers and parents. Phrases like "高校に行っています" (I am in high school) or "高校の友達" (friends from high school) are common. Unlike in Portuguese, where "colégio" can be used generically, in Japanese, 高校 always refers specifically to high school.
An important cultural detail is that in Japan, entering a good 高校 is seen as a crucial step for the future. Many students take competitive entrance exams, and the pressure for performance is high. This social aspect causes the word to carry emotional weight for many Japanese people.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 学校 (Gakkou) - School
- 高等学校 (Koukou) - Secondary School (high school)
- 高校生徒 (Koukou seito) - High School Students
- 高等学校生徒 (Koukou seito) - High School Students - more formal term
- 高校生 (Koukou sei) - High School Student
- 高等学校生 (Koukou sei) - High School Student - more formal term
- 高校生徒たち (Koukou seito-tachi) - High School Students - plural
- 高等学校生徒たち (Koukou seito-tachi) - High School Students - plural and more formal term
Romaji: koukou
Kana: こうこう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: Secondary School
Meaning in English: senior high school
Definition: One of the stages of high school in school education.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (高校) koukou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (高校) koukou:
Example Sentences - (高校) koukou
See below some example sentences:
Watashi wa koukousei desu
I am a high school student.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 高校生 - noun that means "high school student"
- です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject (in this case, "to be")
Other Words of this Type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
