がっこう
gakkōnoun
The hiragana word for "school" is がっこう (gakkō). The small っ makes a short pause before the こ, and the final う lengthens the o sound.
がっこう is the general word for a school. For a specific level, add a prefix: しょうがっこう (shōgakkō) is elementary school and ちゅうがっこう (chūgakkō) is junior high.
Meaning: a school (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
Say it as "gak-kō" with a clear stop in the middle and a long final vowel.
Did you know?
- The Japanese school year starts in April, when cherry blossoms are often in bloom.
Examples in context
- まいにちがっこうへいきます。Mainichi gakkō e ikimasu.I go to school every day.
- がっこうはくじにはじまります。Gakkō wa kuji ni hajimarimasu.School starts at nine.
- わたしのがっこうはえきのちかくです。Watashi no gakkō wa eki no chikaku desu.My school is near the station.
Example conversation
Takumi talks to his classmate Hana on the way to school in Fukuoka.
- Takumiおはよう、ハナ。Ohayō, Hana.Good morning, Hana.
- Hanaおはよう。きょうもがっこうだね。Ohayō. Kyō mo gakkō da ne.Morning. School again today.
- Takumiうん、いっしょにいこう。Un, issho ni ikō.Yes, let's go together.
