中学

• Reading: ちゅうがく
• Romaji: chuugaku
• Kanji breakdown: 中 (chuu) — middle; 学 (gaku) — study, school
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ɡa.kɯ/

Meaning

Middle school; junior high school. The three-year school stage between elementary and high school.

A noun short for 中学校 (chuugakkou). Covers grades 7-9 (ages 12-15) in the Japanese education system. Part of compulsory education. Common compounds include 中学生 (chuugakusei, middle school student) and 中学時代 (chuugaku jidai, middle school years).

Examples

1. 息子は来年から中学に入る。 My son is starting middle school next year.
2. 中学のときにサッカー部に入っていた。 I was in the soccer club when I was in middle school.
3. 中学の英語の授業が一番好きだった。 English class in middle school was my favorite.

Usage Guide

Context: education, school, memories

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 中 (chuu, middle) and 学 (gaku, study/school). An abbreviation of 中学校, where 校 (kou) means school building. The 'middle' refers to its position between elementary and high school.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal