幼稚園
yōchien[jo̞ːt͡ɕiẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for kindergarten is 幼稚園 (yōchien).
幼稚園 refers to an educational institution for young children, typically between the ages of 4 and 6. If you wish to refer specifically to a child who attends kindergarten, you can use the term 幼稚園児 (yōchienji) by adding the suffix 児 (ji).
Meaning: educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6 (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 幼稚園 is composed of three parts: 幼 (child/young), 稚 (young/immature) and 園 (garden/park/institution).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the term 保育園 is used to refer to kindergarten.
How do you pronounce it?
yōchien
Did you know?
- Japanese kindergartens often feature 'Entrance Ceremonies' and 'Graduation Ceremonies' that are formal events, complete with specific uniforms or dress codes for the toddlers.
- The word 幼稚園 is a direct translation of the German 'Kindergarten'. Japan adopted the German model of early childhood education when it first established these schools in 1876.
- The word 幼稚 (yōchi), which forms the basis of the name, can also be used as an adjective meaning 'childish' or 'immature' in a negative sense.
Examples in context
- 彼は幼稚園に通っている。He goes to kindergarten.This sentence is useful for saying someone goes to kindergarten.Tatoeba #12143119 by manjar, translation #1394677 by CK
- それ習ったの、私が幼稚園の時だよ。I learned that when I was in kindergarten.This sentence is useful for talking about something learned during one's time in kindergarten.Tatoeba #8962413 by bunbuku, translation #2952329 by CK
- トムとは幼稚園の時からの友達なんだ。Tom and I've been friends since kindergarten.This sentence is useful for describing a friendship that has lasted since kindergarten.Tatoeba #11668617 by bunbuku, translation #9710908 by CK
- 子供が幼稚園に通っています。My child goes to kindergarten.
- 幼稚園の教育方針について説明します。I will explain the educational policy of the kindergarten.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two neighbors are talking about their children's school schedule.
- 陽太 Yota息子はもう幼稚園に通っています。Musuko wa mou youchien ni kayotte imasu.My son is already attending kindergarten.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなんですね。楽しいですか？Sou nan desu ne. Tanoshii desu ka?I see. Is he having fun?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、幼稚園の毎日がとても楽しいようです。Hai, youchien no mainichi ga totemo tanoshii you desu.Yes, he seems to enjoy every day at kindergarten.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That's good to hear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindergarten” translations and entries 幼稚園, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 幼稚園, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
