As of 2023, over 2.3 million international students were enrolled in Japanese higher education institutions. If you’re one of them, or planning to become one, learning how to say “student” in Japanese is essential for effective communication on campus and beyond.
Polite Form: Gakusei
The most common and polite way to say “student” in Japanese is “gakusei” (学生). This term is used to refer to students of all levels, from elementary school to university.
Casual Form: Seito
In informal settings, you can use the term “seito” (生徒) to refer to students. This term is typically used for students in primary and secondary education.
Other Related Terms
In addition to the two main terms above, there are a few other related terms that you may encounter:
- Daigaku-sei (大学生): University student
- Kōkō-sei (高校生): High school student
- Chūgakusei (中学生): Middle school student
- Shōgakusei (小学生): Elementary school student
How to Use the Terms
When using these terms, it’s important to consider the context and the level of formality required. In general, “gakusei” is the most appropriate term to use in formal settings, such as when addressing a teacher or professor. “Seito” is more suitable for informal settings, such as when talking to classmates or friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that learners make is using the word “studento” (ストゥデン)。. This is not a correct Japanese word and should be avoided.
Another mistake to avoid is using the term “gakusei” to refer to students in primary or secondary education. In these contexts, it’s more appropriate to use “seito”.
Tips and Tricks
- To sound more natural, try adding the particle “san” after the term for “student”. For example, you can say “gakusei-san” or “seito-san”.
- In some cases, you may hear the term “kyōshi” (教師) used to refer to students. This is a more archaic term and is rarely used in modern Japanese.
- If you’re unsure which term to use, it’s always best to err on the side of formality and use “gakusei”.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “student” in Japanese is a fundamental step in mastering the language. By understanding the different terms and their appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate with your classmates, teachers, and other members of the Japanese academic community.