As a foreigner who is still working on his Japanese, working in a Japanese public school can present some challenges from time to time. One such challenge is getting used to new, Japanese, school-related vocabulary. Were I teaching at American public school, I wouldn’t even give issues like this a second thought because English is my native tongue. However, being at a Japanese school everyday means becoming accustomed to new words and phrases that, prior to teaching as an ALT, I didn’t hear all that often (if at all). So let’s take a look at fifty words you should know if you are working in a Japanese school.

SCHOOL LOCATIONS IN JAPANESE

1. Teacher’s Lounge- しょくいんしつ 職員室 (Shokuinshitsu)
2. Gymnasium- たいいくかん 体育館 (Taiikukan)
3. Science Lab- りかしつ 理科室 (Rikashitsu)
4. Principal’s Office- こうちょうしつ　校長室 (Kochoshitsu)
5. Music Room- おんがくしつ　音楽室 (Ongakushitsu)
6. Library- としょしつ　図書室 (Toshoshitsu)
7. Bathroom- トイレ (Toire)
8. Office- じむしつ　事務実 (Jimushitsu)
9. Classroom- きょうしつ　教室 (Kyoshitsu)
10. Art Room- びじゅつしつ　美術室 (Bijutsushitsu)
11. Auditorium- こうどう　講堂 (Kodo)
12. Nurse’s Office- ほけんしつ　保健室 (Hokenshitsu)

*Note: I didn’t put cafeteria in this list because in my elementary school, we generally eat in the classroom. I think that’s how it is with most Japanese, public elementary schools (middle school I’m not sure, though).

SCHOOL SUBJECTS IN JAPANESE

13. Math- さんすう, 算数 (Sansu)
Science- りか, 理科 (Rika) / かがく, 科学 (Kagaku)
Another kanji for kagaku can also mean chemistry.
15. Physical Education- たいいく, 体育 (taiiku)
16. Social Studies-しゃかいか, 社会科 (Shakaika)
17. Art- びじゅつ, 美術 (Bijutsu)
18. History- れきし, 歴史 (Rekishi)
19. Homeroom- かっきゅかつどう (Kakkyukatsudo)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND ITEMS IN JAPANESE

20. Bookbag- おい, 笈 (Oi)
21. Pencil- えんぴつ, 鉛筆 (Empitsu)
22. Mechanical Pencil- シャーペン (Sha-pen)
23. Eraser (for pencils)- けしゴム, 消しゴム (Keshigomu)
Eraser (for chalkboard)- こくばんけし, 黒板消し (Kokubankeshi)
24. Ballpoint Pen- ボールペン (Borupen)
25. Protractor- ぶんどき　分度器 (Bundoki)
26. Chalkboard- こくばん, 黒板 (Kokuban)
27. Compass- コンパス (Konpas)
28. Paper- かみ, 紙 (Kami)
29. Magnet-じしゃく, 磁石 (Jishaku)
30. Chalk- チョーク(Cho-ku)
31. Ruler- じょうぎ, 定規 (Jougi)
32. Rubber band-わゴム輪ゴム　
33. Teacher’s desk- きょうたく, 教たく (Kyotaku)
34. Bookshelf- ほんばこ, 本箱 (Honbako)
35. Scotch tape- セロハンテープ　(Serohan Ta-pu) (like cellophane tape)
36. Calculator- でんたく, 電卓 (Dentaku)
37. Pencil sharpener- えんぴつけずり, 鉛筆削り(Enpitsukezuri)
38. Stapler- ホチキス (Hochikisu)
39. Scissors- はさみ, 鋏 (Hasami)
40. Pencil Case- ふでばこ, 筆箱 (Fudebadko)

IMPORTANT SCHOOL PEOPLE IN JAPANESE

41. Principal- こうちょうせんさい, 校長先生 (Kocho Sensei)
42. Vice Principal- きょうとせんせい, 教頭先生 (Kyoto Sensei)
43. School Nurse- ようごほけんのせんせい, 予後保健の先生(Yogohoken no Sensei)
*Not 100% certain on the kanji for this one.
44. Teacher- せんせい, 先生 (Sensei)
45. Assistant Teacher- ほじょきょうゆ, 補助教諭 (Hojokyoyu)

OTHER SCHOOL NOUNS

46. Homework- しゅくだい (Shukudai)
47. School Lunch- きゅうしょく (Kyushoku)
48. Class- じゅぎょう 授業 (Jugyo)
49. Chair- いす, 椅子 (Isu)
50. Desk- つくえ, 机 (Tsukue)

FOUR BONUS WORDS

51. Textbook　きょうかしょ
52. Slippers　うわわき
53. Year Student　ねんせい
54. Milk Carton

Any other words you’d like to tack on to the list? Go for it in the comments section below 😀

Sincerely,

Donald Ash

25 Japanese School Phrases You Should Know