教科書
kyōkasho[kʲo̞ːka̠ɕo̞]
The English phrase "textbook" is translated into Japanese as 教科書 (kyōkasho). Wiktionary also lists テキスト (tekisuto) and テキストブック (tekisutobukku).
Meaning: formal manual of instruction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 教科書 | kyōkasho | [kʲo̞ːka̠ɕo̞] (narrow) |
| テキスト | tekisuto | [te̞kʲisɨ̥to̞] (narrow) |
| テキストブック | tekisutobukku | [te̞kʲisɨ̥to̞bɯ̟k̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
教科書 is the most common and standard word for "textbook" in Japanese. テキスト is often used in formal contexts to refer to a textbook or course material.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 教科書 is composed of 教 (teach), 科 (subject/department) and 書 (book).
Which one should you use?
教科書 is the standard term for school textbooks used in formal education. In contrast, テキスト is often used in language schools or specialized courses to refer to course materials or handouts, rather than strictly official school textbooks. There is also the loanword テキストブック.
How do you pronounce it?
kyōkasho
Did you know?
- In Japan, school textbooks are often considered 'public' assets and are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Education to ensure uniformity across the country.
- Japanese students often use 'textbook covers' to wrap their 教科書 in clear plastic or colorful paper to protect them and distinguish their own copies.
- The word 教 in 教科書 is the same character found in the word for 'religion' (宗教, shūkyō), highlighting the historical connection between teaching and spiritual instruction.
Examples in context
- この教科書はよい。This textbook is good.This sentence is useful for expressing an opinion about a specific 教科書.Tatoeba #222351 by bunbuku, translation #59677 by CK
- これはいい教科書だね。This is a good textbook.This sentence is useful for identifying a 教科書 as being good.Tatoeba #10239518 by bunbuku, translation #55820 by CK
- どの教科書、使ってる？Which textbook are you using?This sentence is useful for asking someone which 教科書 they are currently using.Tatoeba #10682371 by small_snow, translation #5162235 by AlanF_US
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a classroom.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、教科書を持ってきた？Yui, kyōkasho o motte kita?Yui, did you bring your textbook?
- 結衣 Yuiあ、忘れた！教科書を家に置いた。A, wasureta! Kyōkasho o ie ni oita.Oh, I forgot! I left my textbook at home.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、僕の教科書を一緒に見よう。Jaa, boku no kyōkasho o issho ni miyō.Then, let's look at my textbook together.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、大翔！助かるよ。Arigatō, Hiroto! Tasukaru yo.Thanks, Hiroto! That helps.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “textbook” translations and entries 教科書, テキスト, テキストブック, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
