予習

• Reading: よしゅう
• Romaji: yoshuu
• Kanji breakdown: 予 (yo) — beforehand, advance, preliminary; 習 (shuu) — learn, practice
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Preparation for a lesson; previewing material before class.

Functions as a noun or する verb (予習する). The counterpart to 復習 (review). Japanese students are expected to preview textbook material before class so they can follow the lesson and ask informed questions. A fundamental study habit emphasized from elementary school.

Examples

1. 明日の授業のために予習をしておこう。 Let's prepare for tomorrow's class in advance.
2. 予習をしてから授業に出ると、よくわかる。 If you preview the material before class, you understand it much better.
3. 忙しくて予習する時間がなかった。 I was too busy and didn't have time to prepare.

Usage Guide

Context: study, school, self-study

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 予 (yo, beforehand/advance) and 習 (shuu, learn/practice). Literally means learning in advance — studying ahead of the scheduled lesson.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal