Guide on How to Say “When I Was in High School” in Japanese

Learning to express yourself properly in Japanese is an exciting journey, and being able to talk about your past experiences is an essential part of communication. In this guide, we will explore how to say “when I was in high school” in formal and informal ways in Japanese. We will also discuss any regional variations if necessary. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “When I Was in High School”

If you want to express yourself formally when talking about your time in high school, you can choose from various phrases or structures. Here are a few examples:

1. [High school name] ni imasu toki – This phrase translates to “when I was in [high school name].” For example, if you attended Tokyo High School, you would say “Tokyo Gakko ni imasu toki.”
2. [High school name] no jikan – This structure means “during the time of [high school name].” For instance, if you attended Osaka High School, you would say “Osaka Gakko no jikan.”
3. Koko senmongakko no koro – This phrase means “in my high school days.” It is a more general way to talk about high school without specifying the name. For example, you could say “Koko senmongakko no koro wa…” followed by your description.
4. [Year] nenkan – If you want to be more specific with the year, you can use this structure. For instance, if you were in high school in 2010, you would say “2010 nenkan.”

Informal Ways to Say “When I Was in High School”

When speaking casually with friends or acquaintances, you can use more relaxed expressions to talk about your time in high school. Here are a few examples:

1. [High school name] ni ita toki – This phrase simply means “when I was in [high school name].” For example, if you attended Sapporo High School, you would say “Sapporo Gakko ni ita toki.”
2. Koko koryu – This expression translates to “in my high school days.” It’s a colloquial and less formal way to refer to your high school years. For instance, you could say “Koko koryu wa…” followed by your description.
3. [Year] nenkan – Similar to the formal structure, you can also use the year in casual conversations. For example, if you were in high school in 2010, you would say “2010 nenkan.”

Tips for Using the Proper Expressions

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

• Context is key: Always consider the context and the level of formality when choosing the appropriate expression. Being aware of who you are speaking to and the situation will help you select the correct phrase.
• Use honorifics when necessary: If you are talking about high school experiences that involve teachers, administrators, or formal settings, consider using honorific expressions to show respect.
• Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of the phrases, especially if you are a beginner. Practice speaking them aloud to ensure you’re communicating effectively.

Examples

Let’s take a look at a few examples using the phrases we’ve discussed:

Formal:
– Tokyo Gakko ni imasu toki… Ano toki, watashi wa kyudo bu ni sankashite imashita.

Informal:
– Sapporo Gakko ni ita toki… Sore wa tanoshikatta! Minna to seifuku de shashin o totta yo.

General:
– Koko senmongakko no koro wa… Tomodachi to mainichi gakkou e itte, piano o naratte imashita.

Remember to adapt these examples to your own experiences and memories to make conversations personal and engaging.

Regional Variations

Regarding regional variations, Japanese is a diverse language that incorporates many dialects across different regions. However, when it comes to the expression “when I was in high school,” there aren’t any significant regional variations. The phrases mentioned earlier can be used nationwide without any major changes.

It’s worth noting that within casual conversations, certain regions or cities might have unique slang or colloquial expressions related to high school memories. If you find yourself in a specific region, don’t hesitate to ask locals about any particular phrases they use to talk about their high school days.

Remember, language is fluid, and it evolves within different communities, so embrace the opportunity to learn from others and discover local variations.

Now armed with the knowledge of how to say “when I was in high school” in Japanese, both formally and informally, you can confidently share your past experiences and engage in conversations with native speakers. Remember to practice and immerse yourself in the language to further enhance your skills. Enjoy your journey of learning Japanese!