中学校
chūgakkō[t͡ɕɨːɡa̠k̚ko̞ː]
The English phrase "junior high school" is translated into Japanese as 中学校 (chūgakkō).
中学校 is a noun used to refer to the school for children that have completed elementary school. To refer to a person attending junior high school, use the form 中学生.
Meaning: school for children that have completed elementary school (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The first kanji character 中 means "middle".
Which one should you use?
中学校 is contrasted with 小学校 (elementary school) and 高校 (high school).
Did you know?
- The phrase 中二病 or 'eighth-grade syndrome' describes a phase where 中学校 students develop delusions of grandeur or special powers.
- Unlike many English-speaking countries, students in 中学校 are often responsible for cleaning their own classrooms and hallways as part of their daily routine.
- Students in 中学校 typically belong to a 部活 or club, which are often so intense that they practice every day, including weekends and holidays.
Examples in context
- 中学校は家から遠かった？Was your junior high school far from your home?This sentence is useful for asking if the 中学校 was far from home.Tatoeba #8774841 by bunbuku, translation #6938710 by CK
- 父は中学校で英語を教えています。My father is teaching English in junior high school.This sentence is useful for describing someone teaching English in 中学校.Tatoeba #3050905 by tommy_san, translation #10194569 by terrywallwork
- うちのお姉ちゃん、中学校の頃、不良だったのよ。My elder sister was a delinquent in junior high school.This sentence is useful for describing someone's behavior during their time in 中学校.Tatoeba #11580314 by small_snow, translation #12010934 by Winter
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their local schools.
- 健太 Kenta近くに中学校はありますか？Chikaku ni chūgakkō wa arimasu ka?Is there a junior high school nearby?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、あそこに中学校があります。Hai, asoko ni chūgakkō ga arimasu.Yes, there is a junior high school over there.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんはそこの中学校に通っていましたか？Himari-san wa soko no chūgakkō ni kayotte imashita ka?Did you attend that junior high school, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、別の中学校に通っていました。Iie, betsu no chūgakkō ni kayotte imashita.No, I attended a different junior high school.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 中学校, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
