中学生
chūgakusei[t͡ɕɨːɡa̠kɯ̟̊se̞ː]
The Japanese phrase for "junior high school student" is 中学生 (chūgakusei).
中学生 is used to describe a student who attends a school between the elementary and high school levels.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 中 (middle), 学 (study) and 生 (student/living being), literally meaning "middle school student".
Which one should you use?
While 中学生 refers to a junior high school student, you would use 小学生 (shōgakusei) for an elementary school student and 高校生 (kōkōsei) for a high school student.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the particle の after 中学生, you can use it to modify a noun, such as in the phrase 中学生の子供 (a junior high school student's child).
How do you pronounce it?
chūgakusei
Did you know?
- In Japanese media, the term 中学生 often evokes the 'chunibyo' phenomenon, a slang term describing an adolescent's delusions of grandeur or special powers.
- In Japan, a 中学生's social life often revolves around 部活, or club activities, which are frequently more time-consuming and intense than their actual academic classes.
- If you are talking about a junior high student in an informal or very affectionate way, you might hear someone refer to them as a 中坊, though this can be slightly derogatory or teasing.
Examples in context
- 私は中学生です。I'm a junior high school student.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a 中学生.Tatoeba #162212 by tommy_san, translation #252301 by CK
- 私は中学生ではありません。I'm not a junior high school student.Tatoeba #155100 by mookeee, translation #259439 by CK
- 特に理解力がある訳でもない普通の中学生です。He's just a normal junior high school student, not particularly intelligent.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a normal 中学生.Tatoeba #75294 by fcbond, translation #328425 by fcbond
Example conversation
Two high school students are talking about their younger brother.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君の弟さんは、中学生なの？Hiroto-kun no otoutosan wa, chuugakusei nano?Is Hiroto's younger brother a junior high school student?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、今は中学生だよ。Un, ima wa chuugakusei da yo.Yeah, he's a junior high school student now.
- 美咲 Misaki部活は何かしているのかな？Bukatsu wa nani ka shite iru no kana?I wonder if he's doing any club activities?
- 大翔 Hirotoサッカー部に入っているよ。Sakkaa-bu ni haitte iru yo.He's in the soccer club.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 中学生, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
