중학교
junghakgyo[t͡ɕuŋɦa̠k̚k͈jo]
The English phrase "middle school" is translated into Korean as 중학교 (junghakgyo).
중학교 is a noun used to refer to a middle school.
Meaning: school containing both primary and secondary students (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 중 (middle), 학 (study/learning) and 교 (school).
Which one should you use?
While 중학교 means middle school, 초등학교 is the term for elementary school and 고등학교 is the term for high school. Additionally, the term 중등 (middle/secondary level) is often used in more formal or administrative contexts to refer to the level of middle and high school education.
How do you pronounce it?
junghakgyo
Did you know?
- Many 중학교 students attend private after-school academies called hagwon until late at night, often returning home after midnight.
- The word 중학교 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Chinese characters 中學校.
- Students in 중학교 often wear uniforms that are distinct from their high school uniforms, marking a clear visual transition in their academic life.
Examples in context
- 저는 중학교에 다닙니다.I attend middle school.
- 나 중학교 가.I'm going to middle school.
- 집 근처에 중학교가 있어요.jip geuncheoe junghakgyaga isseoyo.There is a middle school near my house.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking about their siblings.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 남동생이 있어요?jihun ssi, namdongsaengi isseoyo?Jihun, do you have a younger brother?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 남동생이 중학교에 다녀요.ne, namdongsaengi junghakgyoe danyeoyo.Yes, my younger brother goes to middle school.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 공부를 잘하나요?jeongmalyo? gongbureul jalhanayo?Really? Is he good at studying?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 학교 생활을 좋아해요.ne, hakgyo saenghwareul joahaeoyo.Yes, he likes school life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle school” translations and entries 중학교, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 중학교, CC BY-SA 4.0.
