講堂

• Reading: こうどう
• Romaji: koudou
• Kanji breakdown: 講 (kou) — lecture, discourse; 堂 (dou) — hall, temple
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.do.ɯ/

Meaning

An auditorium; a lecture hall. A large room or building used for assemblies and presentations.

Found in schools, universities, and public institutions. In Japanese schools, the 講堂 is where entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and assemblies are held. Larger than a regular classroom, designed to seat many people.

Examples

1. 入学式は講堂で行われます。 The entrance ceremony is held in the auditorium.
2. 講堂に全校生徒が集まった。 All the students in the school gathered in the auditorium.
3. 大学の講堂でコンサートがあった。 There was a concert in the university auditorium.

Usage Guide

Context: school, university, ceremonies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 講 (kou, lecture/discourse) and 堂 (dou, hall/building). Literally a 'hall for lectures,' a Sino-Japanese compound used since the Meiji era for Western-style assembly halls.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: Students and educators

Social background: Universal