個別指導
kobetsushidō
Tutoring in Japanese is 個別指導 (kobetsushidō).
個別指導 is a formal term used to refer to private tutoring where the tutor provides one-on-one instruction tailored to the student's needs.
Meaning: the act of teaching as a tutor (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 個別指導 (kobetsushidō) refers to one-on-one or small group tutoring, 集団指導 (shūdan shidō) refers to classroom-style instruction given to a large group.
How do you pronounce it?
kobetsushidō
Did you know?
- The pressure for 個別指導 often peaks during 'exam hell' (受験地獄 – juken jigoku). This is a common phrase used to describe the period of intense tutoring and study before university entrance exams.
- Some 個別指導 centers use a 'booth' system where students sit in tiny, partitioned cubicles. This allows a single tutor to rotate between several students in one room while maintaining a sense of one-on-one privacy.
- Unlike in some English-speaking countries where tutoring is often for students who are struggling, 個別指導 in Japan is frequently used by top-performing students to gain a competitive edge for elite schools.
Examples in context
- 私の子供は個別指導を受けています。My child is receiving private tutoring.
- テスト前には塾で補習を受けると成績が上がるよ。Your grades will improve if you receive supplemental lessons at a cram school before exams.
- 昨日友達にチュータリングをお願いして、数学の問題を解いてもらったよ。Yesterday I asked a friend for tutoring and they helped me solve math problems.
- 個別指導の塾に通っています。Kobetsu shidō no juku ni kayotte imasu.I go to a cram school for private tutoring.
- 個別指導はとても効果的です。Kobetsu shidō wa totemo kōkateki desu.Private tutoring is very effective.
- 個別指導の先生を探しています。Kobetsu shidō no sensei o sagashite imasu.I am looking for a private tutor.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about their study habits.
- 陽太 Yota美咲は塾に行っているの？Misaki wa juku ni itte iru no?Misaki, do you go to a cram school?
- 美咲 Misakiううん、今は個別指導を受けているよ。Uun, ima wa kobetsu shidō o ukete iru yo.No, I'm doing tutoring right now.
- 陽太 Yota個別指導は効果がある？Kobetsu shidō wa kōka ga aru?Is tutoring effective?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、陽太にもおすすめだよ。Un, Yota ni mo osusume da yo.Yes, I recommend it to you too, Yota.
