講義

• Reading: こうぎ
• Romaji: kougi
• Kanji breakdown: 講 (kou) — lecture, explain; 義 (gi) — meaning, righteousness, duty
• Pronunciation: /koː.gi/

Meaning

Lecture. A formal talk on a subject, especially at a university.

Functions as a noun or する verb (講義する). Primarily used for university-level lectures, distinguishing them from regular school classes (授業). Professors deliver 講義, while students attend or take them. Can also refer to public lectures or talks.

Examples

1. 今日の講義はとても面白かった。 Today's lecture was really interesting.
2. 山田先生が経済学の講義をしている。 Professor Yamada is giving a lecture on economics.
3. 午後の講義に遅刻してしまった。 I ended up being late to the afternoon lecture.

Usage Guide

Context: university, academics, public speaking

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 講 (kou, lecture/explain) and 義 (gi, meaning/righteousness). Originally meant to explain the meaning of classical texts, later broadened to academic lectures.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal