校長

• Reading: こうちょう
• Romaji: kouchou
• Kanji breakdown: 校 (kou) — school; 長 (chou/naga) — long, chief, leader
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.t͡ɕo.ɯ/

Meaning

A principal; a headmaster. The person in charge of running a school.

Refers to the top administrator of an elementary, middle, or high school. The full title 校長先生 (kouchou sensei) is the standard way students and parents address or refer to the principal. In Japanese schools, the principal oversees school operations and gives speeches at ceremonies.

Examples

1. 校長先生が朝礼で話をしました。 The principal gave a speech at the morning assembly.
2. 新しい校長はとても優しい人です。 The new principal is a very kind person.
3. 卒業式で校長からお祝いの言葉をもらった。 At the graduation ceremony, we received congratulatory words from the principal.

Usage Guide

Context: school, education, ceremonies

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 校 (kou, school) and 長 (chou, chief/leader). Literally the 'school chief,' following the common Japanese pattern of institution + 長 for leaders.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal