Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will go back to Shonen Jump manga basics and focus on some school terms. Schools are a super-popular setting in Jump series, with high school being the most common. But we’ve had elementary school as the focus in Gakkyu Hotei , and Light from Death Note was even shown attending college classes. Here are some terms you’ll want to know before you graduate!

GAKKOU (がっこう)

GAKKOU means “school.” It covers all types of schools. From Tenbin Elementary School in Gakkyu Hotei to the ninja school in Naruto, they are all GAKKOU. Now that I compare these two schools, I’m not sure which one is more dangerous... If I had a choice, I’d definitely rather attend Bonyari High from Nisekoi!

SHOGAKU, CHUGAKU (しょうがく、ちゅうがく)

SHOGAKU and CHUGAKU mean “elementary school” and “middle school,” respectively. These two terms are actually abbreviated from SHOGAKKOU and CHUGAKKOU. SHO means “small” and CHU means “middle.” In Japan, SHOGAKU is generally first through six grade while CHUGAKU is seventh through ninth.

KOUKOU (こうこう)

KOUKOU means “high school.” It’s short for KOUTOUGAKKOU. Why don’t they just call it KOUGAKU like the other school terms? That is a mystery that nobody knows... Perhaps it’s because KOUKOU is easier to say? Either way, more studying is required on the subject!

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