How to Say “Online Class” in Japanese

Learning how to say “online class” in Japanese is essential for anyone studying or teaching Japanese language. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this term, as well as provide some tips and examples to help you understand and use it effectively. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Online Class”

When it comes to formal settings, you have a few options to express the term “online class” in Japanese. Here are some commonly used phrases:

1. Netto kurasu (ネットクラス) : This is the most straightforward and commonly used term for “online class” in formal contexts. “Netto” is a loanword from English that means “the internet,” and “kurasu” is the Japanese word for “class.”
2. Sūgaku kyōshī (数学教師) : If you want to specify that it’s a math class conducted online, you can use this term. “Sūgaku” means “mathematics,” and “kyōshī” means “teacher.”
3. Webu kyōshī (ウェブ教師) : Another option is to use this term, which translates to “web teacher” in English. It conveys the idea of an online class using the internet.

Informal Ways to Say “Online Class”

In informal situations or casual conversations, people often use different expressions to refer to “online class.” Here are a couple of common informal phrases:

1. Mae kura (前クラ) : This term literally means “before class.” It is commonly used among students to refer to an online class conducted using video conferencing platforms or learning management systems.
2. Zūmu kura (ズームクラ) : This expression refers to an “online class” using the popular video conferencing platform “Zoom.” It has become widely adopted due to the platform’s popularity for remote learning in Japan.

Examples and Usage

Now that we’ve covered formal and informal ways to say “online class” in Japanese, let’s explore some examples and usage contexts for better understanding:

Example 1:

Japanese: “私たちは毎週土曜日にネットクラスを受けています。”

Romaji: “Watashitachi wa maishū doyōbi ni netto kurasu o ukete imasu.”

Translation: “We have online classes every Saturday.”

In this example, “netto kurasu” is used in a formal setting to convey the idea of regular online classes.

Example 2:

Japanese: “今日の数学教師はウェブ教師です。”

Romaji: “Kyō no sūgaku kyōshī wa webu kyōshī desu.”

Translation: “Today’s math class is an online class.”

In this informal example, “sūgaku kyōshī” is replaced with “webu kyōshī” to indicate that the math class is conducted online.

Tips for Using the Terms

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these terms:

• Consider the formality of the context: Choose the appropriate term based on how formal or informal the situation is.
• Be aware of regional variations: The terms mentioned in this guide are common across Japan, but regional variations may exist.
• Use loanwords for informality: In informal contexts, using loanwords like “maze kura” and “zūmu kura” can create a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Practice pronunciation: Listen to native speakers and practice the correct pronunciation of these terms to sound more natural in conversations.

In Conclusion

Understanding how to say “online class” in Japanese is essential for effective communication in formal and informal settings. Remember the formal options like “netto kurasu,” “sūgaku kyōshī,” and “webu kyōshī,” as well as the informal choices like “mae kura” and “zūmu kura.” Practice using these terms in various contexts to become more comfortable with them. Happy learning!