Gaining knowledge of how to express school subjects in Japanese is useful when communicating with Japanese speakers or while studying in Japan. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to express school subjects in Japanese, with tips and examples to help you along the way. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal language, Japanese can be quite complex. The formal expressions for school subjects often include specific honorifics and respectful vocabulary. Here are some formal ways to say various school subjects:
1. Mathematics
Formal: 数学 (すうがく – suugaku)
Example: 数学の試験が難しかったです。 (すうがくのしけんがむずかしかったです。 – Suugaku no shiken ga muzukashikatta desu.) – The math test was difficult.
2. Science
Formal: 理科 (りか – rika)
Example: 科学実験はとても面白いです。 (かがくじっけんはとてもおもしろいです。 – Kagaku jikken wa totemo omoshiroi desu.) – Science experiments are very interesting.
3. History
Formal: 歴史 (れきし – rekishi)
Example: 日本の歴史を勉強しています。 (にほんのれきしをべんきょうしています。 – Nihon no rekishi wo benkyou shiteimasu.) – I am studying Japanese history.
4. English
Formal: 英語 (えいご – eigo)
Example: 英語のリーディングが上手ですね。 (えいごのリーディングがじょうずですね。 – Eigo no riidingu ga jouzu desu ne.) – Your English reading is excellent, isn’t it?
5. Physical Education
Formal: 体育 (たいいく – taiiku)
Example: 体育の授業ではサッカーをします。 (たいいくのじゅぎょうではさっかーをします。 – Taiiku no jugyou de wa sakkā wo shimasu.) – We play soccer during physical education classes.
Informal Expressions
Informal language is commonly used among friends and acquaintances. Unlike formal expressions, informal ways of saying school subjects are simpler and more relaxed. Let’s explore some examples:
1. Mathematics
Informal: 数学 (すうがく – suugaku)
Example: 数学のテスト、難しかったよ。 (すうがくのてすと、むずかしかったよ。 – Suugaku no tesuto, muzukashikatta yo.) – The math test was difficult.
2. Science
Informal: 理科 (りか – rika)
Example: 理科の実験、めっちゃ面白かった！ (りかのじっけん、めっちゃおもしろかった！ – Rika no jikken, meccha omoshirokatta!) – The science experiment was so much fun!
3. History
Informal: 歴史 (れきし – rekishi)
Example: 日本の歴史、めっちゃ勉強してるんだ。 (にほんのれきし、めっちゃべんきょうしてるんだ。 – Nihon no rekishi, meccha benkyou shiterun da.) – I’m studying Japanese history a lot.
4. English
Informal: 英語 (えいご – eigo)
Example: 英語のリーディング、すごい上手やないか！ (えいごのリーディング、すごいじょうずやないか！ – Eigo no riidingu, sugoi jouzu yanai ka!) – Your English reading is amazing!
5. Physical Education
Informal: 体育 (たいいく – taiiku)
Example: 体育の授業ではサッカーするね。 (たいいくのじゅぎょうではさっかーするね。 – Taiiku no jugyou de wa sakkā suru ne.) – We play soccer during physical education classes, right?
Tips and Considerations
When using these expressions, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use the formal expressions when speaking with teachers, superiors, or in formal settings.
- Informal expressions are suitable when talking to friends, classmates, or in casual contexts.
- Pay attention to the context and adjust your speech accordingly.
- Remember to use appropriate honorifics and respectful language when necessary.
- Take regional variations into account if you are in a specific area of Japan, as vocabulary may differ slightly.
In Conclusion
Now that you have learned various ways to say school subjects in Japanese, both formally and informally, you can practice using these expressions in your conversations. Remember to consider the context and use the appropriate language style. Enjoy expanding your language skills and making connections with Japanese speakers through discussing school subjects!
