校舎

• Reading: こうしゃ
• Romaji: kousha
• Kanji breakdown: 校 (kou) — school; 舎 (sha) — building, quarters
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɕa/

Meaning

School building. The main physical structure of a school where classes are held.

A noun specifically referring to the building itself, not the school as an institution. Often heard in contexts about school facilities, renovation, or nostalgic memories. Related terms include 旧校舎 (kyuu kousha, old school building) and 新校舎 (shin kousha, new school building).

Examples

1. 古い校舎が取り壊されることになった。 The old school building is going to be demolished.
2. 新しい校舎は来年完成する予定だ。 The new school building is scheduled to be completed next year.
3. 放課後の校舎はとても静かだった。 The school building was very quiet after classes.

Usage Guide

Context: school, education, architecture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 校 (school) and 舎 (building, quarters). The character 舎 originally depicted a thatched-roof structure, and combined with 校, it specifies a building dedicated to education.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal