here is my homework in japanese

Mastering the Phrase: How to Say Homework in Japanese

Are you looking to expand your Japanese language skills? Learning how to express academic tasks like “homework” in Japanese is a great place to start. In this section, we will guide you through the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese, providing you with the necessary tools to communicate more effectively in the language.

Although it may seem simple, expressing “homework” in Japanese is not as straightforward as you may think. Japanese has multiple words and expressions for this concept, depending on the context and level of formality. But fear not! By the end of this article, you will know how to say “homework” in Japanese like a pro.

So, are you ready to learn the Japanese word for homework and other relevant phrases? Let’s get started!

How to Say Homework in Japanese

When it comes to expressing the concept of homework in Japanese, there are various phrases and expressions you can use. Here are some common ways to say “homework” in Japanese:

Note that the word “宿題” (shukudai) is the most commonly used term for “homework” in Japanese. However, the other phrases can also be used depending on the context and level of formality.

How to Say Homework in Japanese in Different Contexts

Depending on the situation, the appropriate Japanese phrase for “homework” may vary. Here are some examples:

• If you want to ask your teacher about the homework: 「今日の宿題は何ですか？」(Kyou no shukudai wa nan desu ka?) which means “What is today’s homework?”
• If you want to tell a friend that you have homework to do: 「宿題があるんだよ」(Shukudai ga aru n da yo) which means “I have homework to do.”
• If you want to express that the homework is difficult: 「宿題が難しいです」(Shukudai ga muzukashii desu) which means “The homework is difficult.”

By using these phrases in the appropriate context, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese.

Japanese Vocabulary for Homework

As mentioned earlier, the Japanese language has multiple words and expressions for “homework”, depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some of the most commonly used vocabulary words and phrases related to homework in Japanese:

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of each word and phrase can vary depending on the speaker’s region and dialect, so it’s best to listen to native speakers for proper pronunciation.

Homework Phrase in Japanese

The most commonly used phrase for “homework” in Japanese is “shukudai” (宿題), which is also the most casual and familiar. For a more formal or academic context, “kadai” (課題) can be used instead.

In addition to these phrases, Japanese educators may use the term “jishu gakushu” (自主学習) when referring to self-study or homework outside of class. Students may also use the phrases “yoshu” (予習) for preparing for a lesson and “fukushu” (復習) for reviewing material covered in class or for exams.

By familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words and phrases, you can accurately express and discuss homework in Japanese conversations.

Ways to Express Homework in Japanese

Japanese has multiple words and expressions for “homework” depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some common ways to express homework in Japanese :

In addition to the words listed above, there are also many expressions commonly used to talk about homework in Japanese. Here are some examples:

• しゅくだいのりょうがおおい
• The amount of homework is large
• まいばんしゅくだいをする
• To do homework every night
• しゅくだいをほうちする
• To leave homework undone

By learning these variations for expressing homework in Japanese, you can showcase your language prowess and effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts.

Pronunciation and Usage Tips

Now that you know how to say homework in Japanese and have familiarized yourself with the related vocabulary and expressions, it’s important to understand how to pronounce these phrases correctly.

The Japanese word for homework is しゅくだい (shukudai). To pronounce it correctly, begin with the “shu” sound, which is similar to the English “shoe” sound, but with a slightly shorter duration. Next, move on to the “ku” sound, which is similar to the English “koo” sound. Finally, say “dai” with a long “i” sound, similar to the English word “die.”

Another word commonly used for homework in Japanese is 宿題 (shukudai). To pronounce this word, start with “shu” as before, then say “ku” and “dai” as you did previously. The final syllable “kai” is pronounced with a long “i” sound as in the English word “high.”

It’s important to note that Japanese has different levels of politeness and formality, and the appropriate word choice and expressions will depend on the context and situation. For example, if you want to ask a friend if they have any homework, you might use the phrase “shukudai aru?” which means “Do you have homework?” In a more formal setting, you may use “shukudai ga arimasu ka?” which has the same meaning, but with a higher level of politeness.

By paying attention to pronunciation and using the appropriate level of formality, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a master of the phrase!

Summary and Conclusion

In conclusion, learning the various ways to express “homework” in Japanese is an essential part of mastering the language. The Japanese language has multiple words for homework, and it’s important to understand the context and level of formality when choosing which phrase to use.

By familiarizing yourself with the specific vocabulary and expressions related to homework in Japanese, you can effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts. Additionally, understanding the correct pronunciation of these phrases will enhance your language skills and improve your overall communication in Japanese.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese and has helped you improve your language proficiency. Remember to practice and use these phrases in your Japanese conversations to further enhance your skills!

Q: How do you say “homework” in Japanese?

A: The word for “homework” in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai).

Q: Are there any other ways to express “homework” in Japanese?

A: Yes, besides “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai), you can also use the phrases “宿題をする” (しゅくだいをする, shukudai o suru) which means “to do homework,” or “宿題を出す” (しゅくだいをだす, shukudai o dasu) which means “to assign homework.”

Q: How do you pronounce “宿題”?

A: “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai) is pronounced as “shoo-koo-die” in English.

Q: Can you provide an example sentence using the word “宿題”?

A: Sure! An example sentence could be “毎晩、宿題をします” (まいばん、しゅくだいをします, Maiban, shukudai o shimasu) which means “I do homework every night.”

Q: Are there any other words or phrases related to homework in Japanese?

A: Yes, some related words and phrases include “テストの勉強” (てすとのべんきょう, tesuto no benkyou) for “studying for a test” and “レポートを書く” (れぽーとをかく, repooto o kaku) for “writing a report.”

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これが水曜日の宿題です。 Kore ga suiyobi no shukudai desu.

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How to Say Homework in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our guide on how to say “homework” in Japanese! Whether you are a student looking to communicate with Japanese classmates or simply interested in expanding your vocabulary, this article will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this concept. We will also explore regional variations, share useful tips, and provide plenty of examples to help you grasp the nuances of this term. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Informal Ways to Say Homework

In everyday casual conversations, the Japanese language offers a few expressions for referring to homework. These include:

• Kudamono : This informal term is derived from “くだもの,” which means “fruit” in Japanese. While it literally translates to “fruit,” it is used colloquially by some younger individuals to refer to homework.
• Benkyou no shuu : “勉強の週,” or “study week” in English, is another common informal phrase to describe homework. It implies a period of time dedicated to studying and completing assignments.

Example sentences:

“明日の授業のために、くだものが山ほどあります。” (For tomorrow’s class, I have a mountain of homework.) “この週末は、勉強の週を過ごそうと思います。” (I am planning to spend this weekend doing my homework.)

Formal Ways to Say Homework

If you are in a more formal setting, it is important to use suitable language. Below are some formal ways to express the idea of homework:

• Shukudai : This is the most commonly used term for homework in Japanese. It is a straightforward and neutral word that can be used in any context.
• Gakushu Shukudai : By adding the word “gakushu” before “shukudai,” you emphasize that it is a learning-related assignment.
• Kadai : “課題” is an alternative word for homework that is often used in academic settings. It signifies assignments or tasks given by teachers for students to complete outside of class.

“毎晩、しゅくだいをするのは大変ですが、頑張ります。” (Doing homework every night is tough, but I will do my best.) “学習しゅくだいを提出するのを忘れないようにしましょう。” (Let’s make sure not to forget to submit our learning assignments.) “今夜の宿題は数学のレポートを書くことです。” (Tonight’s homework is to write a math report.)

Regional Variations

While the terms mentioned above are universally understood throughout Japan, there may be regional variations in pronunciation or colloquialism. However, such variations are minimal when it comes to the word “homework.” Thus, it is not necessary to focus on regional differences for this specific term.

Tips for Expressing Homework

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when discussing homework in Japanese:

• When in doubt, using the term “shukudai” is always a safe option. It is widely recognized and understood across all settings.
• If you feel more comfortable with an informal group, you can opt for “kudamono” or “benkyou no shuu.”
• Remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the situation. Using formal language in academic and professional environments shows respect and politeness.
• Practice using different words for homework to diversify your vocabulary and become more fluent in Japanese.

By following these tips, you will be able to navigate various situations confidently and effectively convey the concept of homework in Japanese.

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “homework” in Japanese. From informal expressions like “kudamono” and “benkyou no shuu” to formal terms like “shukudai” and “kadai,” you can choose the most appropriate word based on the context and level of formality. Remember to adapt your language to the situation and always aim for clear and polite communication. With practice, you will continue to enhance your Japanese language skills. Ganbatte kudasai (Good luck)!

Related Guides:

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• How to Say “Doing Homework” in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways
• How to Say Hindi Holiday Homework in Hindi
• How to Say Holiday Homework in Hindi: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Say Homework in ASL
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Common Japanese Words and Phrases Used in Classroom

The language used in a classroom setting will differ depending on whether you are a student or teacher, and whether you are talking to other students or teachers. To sort this all out, let’s first go over the basics. What do I call my teacher? How do I ask questions during the class? How do I reply during the roll call? By going through the common vocabulary and phrases first, you will be able to then modify and arrange them to communicate smoothly with your peers and teachers.

Whether you’re studying in a Japanese language school as a foreign student, taking Japanese group lessons online or in-person, or teaching in a Japanese school, we will help nail down key Japanese vocabulary and phrases for the classroom. 

Essential Japanese Vocabulary Related to School: Classroom, Teacher, and Student in Japanese

Before we go into the common Japanese phrases used in a class, let’s take a look at what class and classroom are in Japanese. You may be familiar with jugyou (授業), kyoushitsu (教室), sensei (先生), and gakusei (学生), the general terms for the lesson, classroom, teacher, and student in Japanese, but other terms may be used depending on the circumstance.

Jugyou (授業) is an umbrella term for the lesson and refers to any format of the lesson where students learn from teachers. It is commonly used in high school and below, as well as language schools, but can be used for any lesson in an educational institution. Kougi (講義), which is the term for a lecture in Japanese, is a specific type of jugyou where teachers talk in front of a group of students at their desks. It is commonly used in universities or other tertiary educational institutions, This can also be referred to as zagaku (座学), which basically means education received while sitting at a desk.

Kyoushitsu (教室) is the general term for classrooms and is the most common one used in any setting. However, those in universities or other tertiary education may also hear the term kougishitsu (講義室), meaning lecture hall.

Sensei (先生) is the most common way to refer to any teacher of any kind, in schools, other academic institutions, and even extracurricular activities. Until high school, the terms kyouin (教員) and kyoushi (教師), which both mean teacher, are commonly used to refer to a teaching position or title. On the other hand, teachers in universities will have different titles depending on their rank, such as koushi (講師), junkyouju (准教授), and kyouju (教授), which mean lecturer, associate professor, and professor respectively. In all cases, sensei (先生) is still the most common and appropriate way to refer to educators, but knowing the different classifications will come in handy especially if you are a university student or are teaching in Japan.

Students are generally referred to as one of the following: gakusei (学生) or seito (生徒). In legal terms, the former is used for students receiving higher education such as in universities or vocational schools, whereas the latter is used for junior high to high school students. The two are used interchangeably in daily conversation, however, there is a tendency to use gakusei (学生) when talking about students generally, and seito (生徒) when talking about students of a specific institution or under a specific teacher.

Japanese Expressions for Greeting in a Class 

As with all other interactions, classes start and end with greetings. Students may greet each other formally in keigo (敬語) or informally in tameguchi (タメ口), but interactions between students and teachers are almost always in keigo (敬語).

At the start of the class, the sensei (先生) usually greets students using the greeting appropriate for the time of the day, with either ohayougozaimasu (おはようございます): good morning, konnichiwa (こんにちは): hello, or konbanwa (こんばんは): good evening. Some may even follow this with yoroshikuonegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします), which is loosely translated to ‘please treat me favorably’ in English. Check out our guide on basic Japanese greetings and phrases.

The class usually ends with arigatougozaimashita (ありがとうございました) to thank the students, and sometimes with otsukare sama deshita (お疲れ様でした) to acknowledge the students’ hard work during the class. Some teachers may also use goseichou arigatougozaimashita (ご清聴ありがとうございました), which takes a step further to thank students for listening quietly. This phrase is often used after presentations by students as well.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom for Taking Attendance

Attendance is shusseki (出席) in Japanese, with its kanji meaning to be in your seat. Therefore the Japanese for absence is kesseki (欠席), to be absent from your seat. Depending on the school, teachers may take attendance through roll calls, paper slips, or online.

A roll call, called tenko (点呼) in Japanese, but typically, the teacher will usually proceed in the following way:

出席を取ります。Aさん。 Shusseki o torimasu. A-san. I will be taking roll call (attendance). A-san.

If Person A is present, they would simply respond by saying yes with hai (はい). This will repeat until everyone is called. If you will be absent, it’s best to notify the teacher or staff by email beforehand for it to be an excused absence or kounin kesseki (公認欠席). Unexcused absences, or mudan kesseki (無断欠席), are commonly frowned upon and may even lead to consequences. Here is an example of how to notify your absence through email.

​​件名：本日の（授業名）を欠席します（名前） kenmei : honjitsu no (jugyoumei) o kesseki shimasu (namae) Subject : I will be absent from today’s (class name) (name)

〇〇先生 〇〇sensei   〇〇 teacher

お世話になっております。 osewa ni natte orimasu. *Loosely translated to Thank you for your assistance.

(名前と学籍番号）と申します。 (namae to gakuseki bangou) to moushimasu. I am (name and student number)

昨日から熱があるので、本日の（授業名）は欠席させていただきたいと思います。 kinou kara netsu ga aru node, honjitsu no (jugyoumei) wa kesseki sasete itadakitai to omoimasu. I’ve had a fever since yesterday, so I would like to be absent from today’s class.

本日の課題を後日取りにうかがってもよろしいでしょうか。 honjitsu no kadai o gojitsu torini ukagattemo yoroshiideshouka. May I pick up my assignment for today’s class at a later date?

よろしくお願いします。 yoroshiku onegaishimasu. *Loosely translated to thank you in advance.

（名前と学籍番号） (namae to gakuseki bangou) (name and student number)

Interestingly, there is a term for faking someone’s attendance in Japanese, called daihen (代返). It comes from 代 わりに 返 事する (kawarini henji suru) , meaning to respond in place of someone else during roll call. This is strongly prohibited in all schools, so be careful not to do this!

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Listening to Instructions

Apart from sitting and listening to your teacher’s jugyou (授業), you may have other tasks to complete such as answering questions or solving a quiz, reading something for the class, or having class discussions. In these cases, you will most likely hear the command for the task in a Verb ~て + ください (verb ~te + kudasai) form.

For example:

答えてください kotaete kudasai Please answer.

解答してください kaitoushite kudasai. Please answer. (Used in written form)

話し合ってください hanashiatte kudasai. Please discuss.

読んでください yonde kudasai.   Please read.

手を挙げて Te o agete. Please raise your hand.

Your teacher usually instructs the last example in the class. If you want to say or ask anything, we should avoid disrupting the flow of the lesson. Raising your hand allows the teacher to decide if it’s the best time to address your concern in the class at the moment.

Take a look at this blog post to learn other ways kudasai (ください) is used , and this blog post for how to conjugate verbs into the ~te (~て) form.

How to Ask Questions in a Class in Japanese

Some teachers prefer students to ask questions during class, but others may prefer for students to ask all their questions at the end of the lesson. If you have a question during class, raise your hand and ask your question! Teachers may also ask:

ここまで何か質問はありますか？ kokomade nanika shitsumon wa arimasuka? Are there any questions so far?

Outside of class, students can find the opportunity to talk to the teacher in the time between classes called jugyou no aima (授業の合間), or during office hours, or ofisu awa a (オフィスアワー). When you go up to the teacher, here are some examples of how you can start the conversation:

〇〇先生、今お時間よろしいでしょうか？ 〇〇sensei, ima ojikan yoroshii deshouka? Teacher 〇〇, may I have a moment?

本日の授業について質問があります。 honjitsu no jugyou ni tsuite shitsumon ga arimasu. I have a question about today’s class.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Homework and Assignments in Japanese

Although many may dread the idea of homework, it’s a must-know when learning Japanese in the classroom. Assignments including homework are called kadai (課題), which can also mean ‘issue that needs to be solved’. The word to use for homework specifically is shukudai (宿題), with its kanji referring literally to work that is completed at home.

Teachers will also provide students with information about submission or teishutsu (提出), including the due date, which is kigen (期限) or shimekiri (締め切り). 

Let’s put all the vocabulary together in some example sentences:

宿題を出します。 shukudai o dashimasu. I will be giving out homework.

これについてのレポートを来週までの課題にします。 kore ni tsuite no repooto o raishuu madeno kadai ni shimasu. The assignment until next week will be a report about this topic.

ちゃんと期限までに終わらせて提出してください。 chanto kigen made ni owarasete teishutsu shite kudasai. Make sure to finish and submit it before the due date.

この課題の締め切りは来週の火曜日です。 kono kadai no shimekiri wa raishuu no kayoubi desu. The due date for this assignment is next Tuesday.

Whether you are taking a Japanese class or you want to teach at a Japanese local school and/or study with native students, knowing Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary ahead will make your school life easier. On top of the basic terminology of lesson, classroom, teacher, and student, learning other common phrases will allow you to understand and communicate better with the rest of the class. Feel free to refer back to this guide for a free email sample for being absent from class, or vocabulary needed to remind your classmates about the due date of your assignment!

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, why not join a Japanese class at Coto Academy? We offer online and in-person courses , with a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese speaking skill. 

Head to our contact page for a free level check and consultation !

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Is it okay to use お願いします when asking your teacher for help?

When asking a teacher for help, is it okay to use お願いします?

For example, asking to check my homework:

宿題をチェックしてお願いします。

To me, "Please check my homework." sounds kind of rude.

Would saying

宿題をチェックしてお願いできますか? (Would it be possible for you to check my homework?)

be any better ?

• word-choice
• expressions

2 Answers 2

When you ask somebody senior to you for a favor, you’d better add his / her ”honorable” title, e.g. 先生、先輩、師匠、部長、女将さん、親方 before asking.

And if he or she is your teacher, I would say “先生、宿題をチェックして頂けますか？“ or “先生、宿題のチェックをお願いできますか？“ However the latter sounds somewhat redundant to me.

“チェックしてお願いできますか？” is just like saying “Would you kindly check (my homework) and may I ask?”, and is awkward in Japanese.

These would be more natural:

宿題のチェックをお願いできますか？

noun(チェック) + を + お願いできますか？

宿題をチェックしていただけますか？

verb(して) + いただけますか？

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Table of Contents

Conjugating する, noun + する (する verbs), する for "to do", する for "to have" or "to take", する for "to make", する for "to play", する for "to wear (accessories)", 〜にする for selecting or deciding something, price + する for indicating how much something costs, する for what you do for a living, 〜を + い-adjective く form + する, する with adverbs, する with onomatopoeia, 〜がする for reporting sensations and feelings.

する is a versatile verb that basically means "to perform an action," and there's a lot of similarity between する and its English equivalent, "to do." Both can refer to an action in general, for example, without specifying what that action is:

• I'll do it.

Of course, you can also use it when you want to specify what kind of action you're doing. Let's take a look at an example using 宿題 (homework):

• to do homework

However, する and "to do" aren't always interchangeable. There are meanings that only "to do" has, and there are also a number of uses that are unique to する. For instance, you wouldn't say "to do" when putting on accessories in English, like "to do a necklace," but it is common to use する for putting on accessories in Japanese.

• to put on a necklace

And, this is just the tip of the iceberg — する is a must-know verb that is very versatile and useful to keep in your pocket. Read on, and you'll find out all kinds of ways you can use する!

To master the useful する verb, you should first know how to conjugate it. する is an irregular verb, which means that there are no other verbs that conjugate the way it does. Conjugating する is pretty straightforward though. As seen in the below table, only the base form する begins with す (su). When you conjugate it, you'll have to change す to し (shi). Then, instead of る, you'll use different polite or plain endings like ます or た .

Patterns of Use

Now, let's take a look at how する can be used in sentences. Since it has many different applications, you often see it paired up with various particles or other grammar components. Note however that you will see する following a noun most of the time. There may be a particle between the two, but the noun usually comes first. This is because する is like a generic placeholder verb — it is often used when actions don't have their own verbs to describe them. In these cases, actions usually have a name (noun form) instead. For example, 宿題 (homework) is a noun, and it doesn't have a specific verb that describes the action of doing homework. So you use する, or "to do," as a verb. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at common patterns used with する.

When する is used for a specific action, it is generally used with the particle を because it marks an object (in this case, the thing being done).

• to do the laundry

Sometimes, particles other than を can be used to mark an object and express a different meaning. For example, imagine your mom asks you about your homework when you're playing a video game. To say "I'll do my homework too" (in addition to all that gaming), you can replace を with the particle も (meaning "too") and say:

• I'll do my homework too.

Next, your mom asks you to help her with some house chores. To tell her you'll do the laundry but not the other chores, you can replace を with the particle は to mark the comparison, like:

• I'll do the laundry (but not other chores).

You can also use する when selecting something (from a number of options). In this case, the thing you're selecting is marked by the particle に .

Say you're in a donut shop, deciding what kind of donut to buy. When you've made your final decision, you might use 〜にする and say:

• I'll go with this one.

〜にする can also be used with a different meaning, "to change the state of something/someone (else)," but we'll talk about that usage later on.

You can also use する to report on sensations like smell and taste, or on feelings you experience. In this case, the sensation or feeling is marked by the particle が .

For example, if you wake up and smell coffee, you can use 〜がする with コーヒーのにおい (smell of coffee) and say:

• コーヒーのにおい がする 。
• I smell coffee. ( Literally : It smells of coffee.)

We'll see more examples of this use later on this page .

する can turn a variety of nouns into verbs, and these noun-based verbs are called する verbs. Many of the words that する can make into verbs are compound words of Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese), such as 旅行 (travel). In other words, if the word is made of multiple kanji with on'yomi readings, that's a good sign that you could just attach する at the end and use it as a verb. And of course, the noun should be something actionable/doable, like "travel."

It's also common to use する with loanwords from other countries, such as ドライブ (drive).

Note you can often use the particle を to mark the compound or loan word itself as the direct object of する, such as 旅行 を する or ドライブ を する. The two versions technically mean the same thing, but the one with を puts a little more emphasis on the specific action — not on the doing itself, in other words, but on what you're doing. If it helps, you can kind of imagine the noun that を marks as being underlined.

As said in the beginning, する has a number of uses that are akin to the English "to do." The most prevalent ones are everyday tasks, such as 洗い物をする (to do the dishes) or 洗濯をする (to do the laundry). Here is a list of some examples, with some nonstandard translations given in parentheses.

Another example is workout-related expressions that use する in Japanese and "to do" in English. Many workout actions don't have a specific verb, so it's common to use する to express them.

To express certain activities, especially occasions that involve other people, like a party or a meeting, it's common to use "to have" in English. There are also activities that you express with the verb "to take," like a walk or a trip. However, in Japanese, we can often use する instead, for the nouns that usually combine with "have" or "take" in English.

Here are some examples:

You should also know that while する is a versatile verb that works for all this, some of these activities could also be described with more specific verbs too. You can say お茶を飲む (to drink tea), for example, or パーティーを開く ("to have a party" in Japanese; literally "to open a party").

する can also be used as a translation for some of the English expressions that use "to make." When する is used this way, it is commonly used when preparing something or making a public announcement.

する can also mean "to play" when playing a game, sport, or role.

Be aware that instruments are an exception! You don't normally use する for playing instruments. Instead, you'd usually use a word like 弾く (to play) or 演奏する (to perform).

• to play the guitar
• to give a piano performance

However, する can be used to describe a state in which someone is practicing music habitually. For example, if you found out your friend is taking piano lessons, you can use the ている form of する and say:

• え、ピアノ してる の？
• Oh, you're taking piano lessons?

Note that the particle を is often omitted in casual conversation, as above.

Even though there's another verb, 付ける, which can be used for wearing accessories, する can also come into play when putting on accessories such as jewelry, glasses, scarves, ties, and so on. So if you're planning to put on a red necktie tomorrow, you could say:

• 明日は赤いネクタイを する 。
• I'll put on a red necktie tomorrow.

Note that if you want to say you're currently wearing the accessories in question, you'll commonly change する to している (the ている form ). To say you're wearing a red necktie today, for example:

• 今日は赤いネクタイを している 。
• I'm wearing a red necktie today.

For more examples of this use, check out the below list!

You've already seen some examples of how 〜にする is used when selecting something, but let's do a quick review. Imagine you're in a cafe with your friend and you're looking at the menu to figure out what to order. To ask your friend which one they're thinking of choosing, you can use 〜にする with the question word どれ (which one) and say:

• Which one are you going to pick?

Then, if your friend decides on the cake set, they may say:

• ケーキセット にする 。
• I'm gonna do the cake set.

Piece of cake, right? This nuance of 〜にする can also be applied when you're deciding what to do. For example, say you're studying with your friend when your stomach grumbles. If you want to take a break for lunch, you can ask:

• そろそろランチ にする ？
• Want to do lunch soon?

In this example, 〜にする implies that the action in question can be taken at your discretion — or the listener's. It lets them know the decision is still theirs, so it's suitable for when you want to softly suggest that it's time to do something.

Beyond the Basics

When following an amount of money, する can also indicate how much something costs. This use of する is often used when you feel the cost is too expensive.

• Oh no, it costs 10,000 yen!

It's also common to emphasize the amount of money using the particle も .

• げ、一万円 も する！

する can also be used to talk about your occupation or the role you play (at work, on a team, and so on). For example, if you were assigned to be a team leader at work, you can use チームリーダー with する and say:

• チームリーダーを する ことになった。
• It turns out that I will be the team leader.

For an occupation or role, you can also conjugate する to している (the ている form ) to show it's an ongoing state. So if your brother is a police officer, you can say:

• 兄は警察官を している 。
• My older brother works as a police officer.

And if you are explaining that you work as a manager, you can say:

• マネージャーを しています 。
• I work as a manager.

〜を〜にする for "Turning … Into …"

When you turn one thing into another thing (like water into wine or lead into gold, for example), you can use 〜にする to express that change in state. In this usage, you mark what you are changing with the particle を and mark the result of a change of state with the particle に .

The result of the change (the part marked by に) can be a noun, such as 社長 (company president).

• カナエ を 社長 にする 。
• I'll make Kanae the company president.

Or, it can also be a な-adjective, such as 簡単 (easy).

• テスト を 簡単 にする 。
• I'll make the test easy.

Note in this pattern, the 〜を part is often omitted when it's obvious from the context or situation.

The use of する as "to turn … into …" can also work with い-adjectives. When the result of a change of state is described with an い-adjective, you'll need to turn it into the く form and add する, instead of adding 〜にする.

For example, the く form of かわいい (cute) is かわいく, so if you're styling your hair in a cute way, you can say:

• 髪型 を かわいく する 。
• I'll make my hairstyle cute.

する can also be attached to adverbs. By adverbs, I mean words like ゆっくり (slowly), the adverb form of い-adjectives , such as 早く (quickly) or 強く (strongly), or the adverb form of a な-adjective, such as 大事に.

When する comes right after adverbs, it indicates the act of doing something in a certain manner. For example, if you're being slow preparing for school in the morning, your mom might use 早くする and say:

• Hurry up! ( Literally : Do it quickly!)

Many of these combinations are also employed as idioms. For instance, ゆっくりする can mean not only "to do something slowly" but also "to enjoy doing something at your own pace." As a result, it's a typical expression used to advise a guest to "make themselves at home," "enjoy their stay," "take it easy," or something along those lines.

• ゆっくりしてくださいね。
• Enjoy your stay.

Here's another example of a common adverb-する pair: 大事にする. This indicates the act of "treating something with care." Therefore, it's used when you look after someone or when you treasure something. For example, if you have a girlfriend, someone may give you advice such as:

• 彼女のこと、大事にするんだぞ！
• You should look after your girlfriend.

Remember how する can be used when turning something into something else ? It's the same idea here — the combination of an adverb and する can indicate the act of changing something's condition a certain way — in other words, it can indicate a willful change . Let's say you're in the backseat of a car and it's too hot. You want to ask someone in the front seat to turn up the A/C. For that, you can use 強くする and say:

• 冷房、もうちょっと強くしてくれない？
• Can you turn up the A/C a little more?

する can directly attach to an onomatopoeic word and turn it into a verb as well. For example, する can be added to ドキドキ (onomatopoeia for heartbeats):

• to be nervous/thrilled

Japanese onomatopoeia is often a repetition of the same sound, such as ドキドキ. It's to represent that the sound or action repeats or continues. On the other hand, if it's used only once, it expresses a momentary sound or action. When the unrepeated version consists of one or two syllables, you usually need to add っ/ッ with と between the word and する.

• to feel shocked
• to be stunned

If the unrepeated onomatopoeia has more than two syllables, you can simply add 〜とする directly.

• to get startled

する can also be used to report your sensations. In this case, you use the particle が to mark the sensation. So let's say you've lost your sense of taste or smell due to a temporary illness. When you've recovered and notice you can taste or smell things again, you may use 〜がする and say:

• I can taste it. ( Literally : It has a taste.)
• I can smell it. ( Literally : It has a smell.)

But unless you're in a unique situation like this one where you realize you can suddenly taste or smell again, the sensations you report are normally more descriptive. For example, if you pop a candy in your mouth and find it's strawberry-flavored, you could say:

• イチゴの味 がする 。
• This tastes like strawberry.

When you're starving and you smell something delicious cooking, you may say:

• いいにおい がする 。
• I smell something good. ( Literally : It smells good.)

You can also use 〜がする when describing how you feel. For example, if you're sad, you can say:

• 悲しい気持ち がする 。
• I feel sad.

When you use 〜がする, however, it sounds like you're more objectively describing how you feel. You might use it while communicating your feelings to others, but when simply expressing your sad emotion, it's more common just to say 悲しい (I'm sad).

Since 〜がする indicates that you're articulating a sense, it's suitable when you suspect that something is the case or something might happen. For example, if you're watching a detective show and suspect a mail carrier is the culprit, you can say:

• あの郵便屋さんが犯人な気 がする 。
• I have a feeling that the mail carrier is the culprit.

Also, if you are positive that you will be able to visit Japan this year, you can say:

• 今年は日本に行ける気 がする 。
• I have a feeling that I can go to Japan this year.

Translation of “homework” in Japanese

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May 28, 2022 By Masaki Mori Leave a Comment

Shukudai is the Japanese word for ‘homework’, explained

What does “shukudai” mean in japanese.

Native speakers use shukudai to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese. Perhaps, some Japanese learners know this word as it is sometimes used in Japanese textbooks. In this blog post, however, I will explain this word in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I will explain how to use it through example sentences. My explanations would help Japanese learners understand shukudai more clearly. Then, let’s get started!

Definition and meaning of “shukudai”

How to say “homework” in japanese, another example of “shukudai”.

Let me start with the definition and meaning of shukudai .

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese.

Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage is very similar to that of the English noun, homework , I think.

The definition and meaning are simple and clear. To understand this noun more clearly, however, let me explain its kanji characters in detail, one by one.

Shukudai in kanji

The kanji expression of shukudai consists of the following two kanji characters:

• 宿 : a kanji character used to refer to a place where people stay.
• 題 : a kanji character used to mean a ‘theme’, ‘subject’, ‘question’, or ‘problem’ in Japanese.

From these two kanji characters, we can understand that shukudai literally means ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

When we meet new kanji expressions, we should check their kanji characters in detail to understand their meanings clearly and deeply. In many cases, kanji characters tell us a lot about the meanings of the expressions they form. Actually, here, we could get the better understanding of shukudai through the detailed kanji check above.

So far, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai together with its kanji characters. Then, let me explain how to use it through the example sentences below.

kyou wa shukudai ga takusan aru – 今日は宿題がたくさんある (きょうはしゅくだいがたくさんある) Today, I have a lot of homework.

Below are the new words used in the example sentence.

• kyou – 今日 (きょう) : a noun meaning ‘today’ in Japanese.
• wa – は : a binding particle working as a case marker or topic marker. In the example, this works as a topic marker after kyou to put a focus on it.
• ga – が : a case particle used to make the subject word or the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the subject in the sentence.
• takusan – たくさん : an adverb of quantity meaning ‘many’, ‘much’, or such in Japanese. In the example, this works to emphasize the amount of the homework.
• aru – ある : a verb meaning ‘to be’, ‘to exist’, ‘to present’, or such in Japanese.

This is a typical usage of shukudai . In this example, it works as a part of the commonly-used phrase, shukudai ga aru , which literally means ‘homework exists’ in Japanese. This phrase is often translated into English as ‘to have homework’, though.

boku wa shukudai wo katazuke mashi ta – 僕は宿題を片付けました (ぼくはしゅくだいをかたづけました) I finished my homework.

• boku – 僕 (ぼく) : a pronoun meaning ‘I’ in Japanese. This is used mainly by boys and young males.
• wo – を : a case particle used to make the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the object in the sentence.
• katazuke – 片付け (かたづけ) : one conjugation of the verb, katazukeru , which means ‘to clean’, ‘to clear’, ‘to finish’, or such in Japanese. In the example, it has been conjugated for the better connection with its following word.
• mashi – まし : one conjugation of the auxiliary verb, masu , which is used after a verb to make it polite. In the example, this is used after katazuke to make it sound polite.
• ta – た : an auxiliary verb used after a verb, adjective, or auxiliary verb to make its past tense form. Probably, this is well known as a part of Japanese ta form. In the example, this is used at the end of the verb phrase to mean ‘to have finished’ in Japanese.

This is another example of shukudai . In this example, it works together with the case particle, wo , to become the object in the sentence. When we want to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese, anyway, this noun is always a very good option.

In this blog post, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I’ve explained how to use it through the example sentences. Let me summarize them as follows.

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese. Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage of this noun is very similar to that of the English one, homework . These two kanji characters literally mean ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

Hope my explanations are understandable and helpful for Japanese learners.

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How to write "Homework" in Japanese

If you are wondering how to write "Homework" in Japanese you've come to the right place!

"Homework" is written in Japanese as " 宿題 " and you can read it as " Shukudai ".

Click the button below to download a free printable handwriting practice worksheet with gridlines and stroke order for correct and beautiful handwriting of Japanese characters.

This word is made up of 2 Kanji :

The kanji "宿" means "Lodging" and consists of 11 strokes. And The kanji "題" means "Topic" and consists of 18 strokes.

For a more detailed explanation about the meaning of this word you can visit this page: How to say "Homework" in Japanese

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Translation of homework – English–Japanese dictionary

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(Translation of homework from the Cambridge English–Japanese Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translation of homework | GLOBAL English–Japanese Dictionary

(Translation of homework from the GLOBAL English-Japanese Dictionary © 2022 K Dictionaries Ltd)

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100+ Useful Japanese Classroom Phrases & Vocabulary

If you are taking a Japanese group lesson online, or planning to study as a foreign student in Japan or to teach your language as a teacher in Japan, it’s good to know Japanese classroom phrases well for effective learning and better communication in the class.

In this guide, we introduce the most useful Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary from various aspects, including school vocabulary, classroom greetings and calls, explaining absence and tardiness, teacher’s phrases, student phrases, and school subjects. You will learn not only common Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary but also the unique features of Japanese schools, such as the school system, school routines, and school supplies. Let’s get ready for your class with JapanesePod101.com !

答えがわかったら手を挙げて Kotae ga wakattara te o agete (“Raise your hand if you know the answer”)

• School Vocabulary
• Classroom Greetings and Calls
• Explaining Absence and Tardiness/Leaving Early
• Teacher’s Phrases
• Student’s Phrases
• Talking About Subjects

1. School Vocabulary

Before talking about Japanese classroom phrases, here are the lists of school vocabulary for the Japanese school system, school facilities, school personnel, school routines and school supplies.

1. Japanese School System

April is one of the most important months of the year in Japan as the school year or the fiscal year begins.  Classes are held from Monday to Friday in compulsory education and at public schools, and some private schools are also open on Saturdays. The Japanese school year usually consists of three terms (学期 gakki ), and there are short spring and winter breaks or a long summer break between each school term.

Below is the basic Japanese school system ;

Elementary school:  6 years (age 7 to 12)    [Compulsory Education] Junior high school : 3 years (age 13 to 15) [Compulsory Education] Senior high school : 3 years (age 16 to 18)

[Higher Education] University: 4 years (6 years for Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Veterinary, and Dentistry School) Junior college: 2 years (or 3, depending on the school) Vocational school: 2 years (or 3, depending on the school)

Japanese Words for School Vocabulary 

教室 kyōshitsu (“classroom”)

2. School Facilities

図書室 toshoshitsu (“library”)

3. School Personnel

*Generally, 先生 ( sensei ) is who teaches something, and 先生 ( sensei ) is commonly used for school teachers. On the other hand, a synonym word 教師 ( kyōshi ) is used as an occupation, for example, 私は教師です Watashi wa kyōshi desu. “I’m a teacher.” 

4. School Routines

*Food Service  給食 kyūshoku is usually provided at elementary school and middle high school for very low monthly fees in Japan. They usually eat kyūshoku in the classroom. In high school, students either bring their own lunch boxes お弁当 o-bentō or use the school cafeteria.

**There is time allocated for cleaning, especially from elementary to high school, and students clean their school by themselves in Japan. Not only in their home classroom but also in corridors, bathrooms, gym, and other places in the school. In this way, Japanese schools teach students to clean, keep tidy, be responsible, use things with care, etc.

5. School Supplies

 * シャーペン shāpen (“mechanical pencil”) is 和製英語 Wasei-eigo (“Japanese-made English”)  word that is the shorter version of シャープペンシル “ sha rp pen cil.”

** Wearing 上履き uwabaki (“school indoor shoes” ) at school is something particular about Japan. This comes from the Japanese culture and etiquette that people are expected to remove their shoes when entering homes and other particular rooms or buildings.

*** ランドセル randoseru (“school backpack for elementary school kids” ) is a unique Japanese school backpack usually made of leather with a firm structure. Traditionally, parents or grandparents give children as a gift upon entering elementary school. They use the same randoseru for 6 years until they graduate from elementary school. 

To enhance your Japanese vocabulary and learn more about Japanese basic nouns, please check out Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns .

ランドセルは日本の小学校のかばんです。 Randoseru wa Nihon no shōgakkō no kaban desu. (“Randoseru is a bag for elementary school in Japan” )

6. Example Sentences

タメ口 Tameguchi (“peer language”) or casual speech form can be used when talking among students. However, 敬語 keigo (“honorific speech”) or polite language should be used for teachers.

Here are some basic phrases in Japanese classrooms using school vocabulary:

[Japanese]     鉛筆を1本借りてもいい？　 Enpitsu o ippon karite mo ii?  (casual)      　　           [English]         “May I borrow a (one) pencil? ”

*Japanese language learning: To learn more about Japanese numbers, see Japanese Numbers: Let’s Master the Basic Japanese Numbers !

[Japanese]    生物の教科書を失くしちゃった。    (casual)                         Seibutsu no kyōkasho o nakushichatta.  [English]         “I lost my biology textbook.”

[Japanese]    宿題を忘れました。 (polite)                         Shukudai o wasuremashita. [English]         “I forgot my homework.”

[Japanese]    消しゴム持ってる?     Keshigomu motte ru?    (casual)    　 [English]         “Do you have an eraser?”

[Japanese]    これ使っていいよ。   Kore tsukatte ii yo.     (casual)    [English]         “Here, you can use this.”

[Japanese]    ありがとう、後で返すね。   Arigatō, ato de kaesu ne.     (casual)    [English]         “Thanks, I will return it to you later.”

[Japanese]    明日の朝は体育館で全校朝礼があります。     (polite)                         Ashita no asa wa taiikukan de zenkō chōrei ga arimasu. [English]         “We will have a whole school assembly at the gymnasium tomorrow morning. ”

[Japanese]    明日の化学の試験は何時だっけ？       (casual)                         Ashita no kagaku no shiken wa nan-ji dakke? [English]         “What time is the chemistry test tomorrow?”

*Please visit How to Tell Time in Japanese article and Japanese Calendar Dates: Reading Dates in Japanese & More on JapanesePod101 to learn how to tell time and date in Japanese.

消しゴム持ってる?   Keshigomu motte ru?    (“Do you have an eraser?”)

2. Classroom Greetings and Calls 

Some of the most essential Japanese classroom phrases are greetings and calls used at school. Here is the list of frequently used Japanese words and greetings in classrooms.

[Japanese]     先生 / 教授、おはようございます。　 Sensei / kyōju, ohayō gozaimasu.  (polite) [English]         “Good morning teacher / professor.”

*Japanese language learning: To learn more Japanese greetings, check out How to Say Hello in Japanese: Practical Japanese Greetings .

[Japanese]    おはよう。 Ohayō.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “Good morning.”

[Japanese]    バイバイ。 Bai bai.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “Bye bye.”

[Japanese]    また明日。 Mata ashita.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “See you tomorrow.”

[Japanese]    先生、さようなら。 Sensei, sayōnara.   (polite)    　　   [English]         “Good bye, teacher.”

[Japanese]    起立！   　 気をつけ！　   礼!　      着席!            (imperative)                         Kiritsu ! Ki o tsuke ! Rei ! Chakuseki ! [English]         “Stand up! Attention (make a good posture)! Bow!  Seated down! ”

*This is the traditional call and ritual of bowing in Japan at the start and end of school class to greet the teacher. Usually, one of the students in a class is allocated to the call roll on a weekly or monthly basis.

When there is a whole school or classroom assembly, usually held in the gymnasium or schoolyard, the following phrases are used.

[Japanese]    集合！     Shūgō!     (imperative)    　 [English]         “Assemble / gather!”

[Japanese]    一列に並べ。   Ichi-retsu ni narabe.     (imperative)    [English]         “Line up in a row.”

[Japanese]    前へならえ。   Mae e narae.     (imperative)    [English]         “Stand at arm’s length. (Literally: follow (do) as front)”

[Japanese]    解散！ Kaisan !       (imperative) 　　    [English]         “Dismissed!”

3. Explaining Absence and Tardiness/Leaving Early 

1. taking attendance.

At Japanese Schools, usually from elementary school to high school, students have a “home class” and a particular teacher (担任 tannin ) who’s in charge of its home class. Students usually stay in the home classroom and 担任 ( tannin ) teaches all the basic subjects in elementary school, and teachers of each subject come to the classroom to give classes in junior highschool and senior highschool.

The teacher in charge of a home-class calls the roll in the morning meeting. 

Japanese Vocabulary for Taking Attendance

Following are some teacher’s basic phrases in Japanese for taking attendance:

[Japanese]    静かに。出欠を取ります。 Shizuka ni. Shukketsu o torimasu.   　　   [English]         “Quiet please, I will take attendance now.”

[Japanese]    名前を呼ばれたら返事をすること。   Namae o yobaretara henji o suru koto. 　　   [English]         “Respond when your name is called.”

[Japanese]    全員いますか。  Zen’in imasu ka. 　　   [English]         “Is everyone here?”

[Japanese]    誰か欠席の人いますか。 Dare ka kesseki no hito imasu ka.       　　   [English]         “Anybody absent?”

[Japanese]   [name]さんが今日欠席した理由を知っている人はいますか。                       [name] -san ga kyō kesseki shita riyū o shitte iru hito wa imasu ka. [English]      “Does anyone know why [name] is absent today?”

 はい、います。 Hai, imasu. (“Yes, I’m present”)

Following are some student’s basic phrases in Japanese for taking attendance:

[Japanese]    はい、います。 Hai, imasu.   　　   [English]       “Yes, I’m present.”   (response when your name is called) 

[Japanese]    [name] さんがいません。[name]- san ga imasen.    　　   [English]       “[name] is not here.”

[Japanese]    すみません、寝坊したので遅刻しました。                         Sumimasen, nebō shita node chikoku shimashita. [English]         “I’m sorry, I was late because I overslept.”

[Japanese]    電車が人身事故で止まったので遅刻しました。                         Densha ga jinshin jiko de tomatta node chikoku shimashita. [English]         “I was late because the train stopped due to an injury accident.”

[Japanese]    [name]さんは昨日から体調が悪くて、今日は欠席です。                           [name]-san wa kinō kara taichō ga warukute, kyō wa kesseki desu. [English]         “[name] has been sick since yesterday and is absent today.”

[Japanese]    足を骨折したので、体育の授業は見学します。                           Ashi o kossetsu shita node, taiiku no jugyō wa kengaku shimasu. [English]         “I will just observe the PE class because I broke my leg.”

[Japanese]    すみません、とても気分が悪いので早退します。                           Sumimasen, totemo kibun ga warui node sōtai shimasu. [English]         “Excuse me, I’m leaving early because I feel very sick.”

4. Teacher’s Phrases  

In the Japanese culture, names are called together with 敬称 keish ō (“Japanese honorific title”) , “さん san ” is most commonly used.

When a teacher talks to a student : [student family name] + さん san  In some cases, [family name of a male student] + 君 くん kun

The following are frequently used Japanese classroom phrases by teachers in a class.

1. Instructions

[Japanese]    みんな、席に着いて。 Minna, seki ni tsuite.   　　   [English]       “Everyone, be seated.”

[Japanese]    [name] 君、早く座りなさい。　[name]- kun, hayaku suwarinasai.    　　   [English]         “[name], sit down now.”

[Japanese]    では、始めます。 Dewa, hajimemasu.                   　   [English]         “Well, let’s begin.”

[Japanese]    今日はXXXについて勉強します。     Ky ō wa XXX ni tsuite benkyō shimasu. [English]         “We are going to learn XXX today.”

[Japanese]    教科書のXXページを開いてください。   Ky ōkasho no XX-pēji o hiraite kudasai.  [English]         “Please open to page XX of your textbook.”

[Japanese]    これはとても重要です。   Kore wa totemo jūyō desu.   　　   [English]         “This is very important.”

[Japanese]    これはテストに出るので、しっかり理解してください。                           Kore wa tesuto ni deru node, shikkari rikai shite kudasai. [English]         “Please understand this well because this will be on the test.”

[Japanese]   しっかり聞いてください。 Shikkari kiite kudasai. 　   [English]       “Listen carefully.”

[Japanese]   　黒板の図を見てください。　 Kokuban no zu o mite kudasai.   　　   [English]         “Look at the diagram on the blackboard.”

[Japanese]    この質問の答えがわかる人は手をあげてください。                           Kono shitsumon no kotae ga wakaru hito wa te o agete kudasai. [English]         “Raise your hand if you know the answer to this question.”

[Japanese]    最初に聞いてから、私の後で繰り返してください。                              Saisho ni kiite kara, watashi no ato de kurikaeshite kudasai. [English]         “Listen first and repeat after me.”

[Japanese]    答えをノートに書いて。   Kotae o n ōto ni kaite.  [English]         “Write the answers in your notebook.”

[Japanese]    みんなで一緒に、２段落目から読みましょう。                             Minna de issho ni, ni-danraku-me kara yomimashō. [English]         “Let’s read from the second paragraph together.”

[Japanese]    [name]さん、XXページを読んでください。                         [name]-san, XX-pēji o yonde kudasai. [English]         “[student name], read the page XX please.”

[Japanese]    紙を一枚ずつ取って、後ろの人に渡してください。                         Kami o ichi-mai zutsu totte, ushiro no hito ni watashite kudasai. [English]         “Take one sheet of paper and pass (the rest) to the person behind you.”

これはとても重要です。 Kore wa totemo jūyō desu.   ( “This is very important.”)

2. Homework

[Japanese]    今日の宿題はXXXです。     Ky ō no shukudai wa XXX desu. [English]         “Homework for today is XXX.”

[Japanese]    宿題は教科書XXページの１番から５番です。                         Shukudai wa kyōkasho XX-pēji no ichi-ban kara go-ban desu. [English]         “The homework is from the number 1 to 5 on page XX of the textbook.”

[Japanese]    今日学んだことを家で復習してください。                            Kyō mananda koto o ie de fukushū shite kudasai. [English]         “Review at home what you’ve learned today.”

[Japanese]    前回出された宿題は、先生の机の上に提出してください。                         Zenkai dasareta shukudai wa, sensei no tsukue no ue ni teishutsu shite kudasai. [English]         “Please submit the homework given last time on the teacher’s desk.”

[Japanese]    宿題の提出は成績に反映されます。                         Shukudai no teishutsu wa seiseki ni han’ei saremasu. [English]         “Your homework submission will be reflected in your grades.”

3. Questions

[Japanese]    質問はありますか。     Shitsumon wa arimasu ka. [English]         “Any questions?”

[Japanese]    皆さん分かりましたか。  Mina-san wakarimashita ka. [English]         “Did everyone understand this?”

[Japanese]    誰かこの問題を解答できますか。   Dare ka kono mondai o kait ō dekimasu ka.   　　   [English]         “Can anyone solve this problem?”

[Japanese]    正しい答えは何ですか。     Tadashii kotae wa nan desu ka. [English]         “What is the correct answer?”

[Japanese]    ここまでで何か分からないことはありますか。                         Koko made de nani ka wakaranai koto wa arimasu ka. [English]         “Is there anything you don’t understand so far?”

  正しい答えは何ですか。   Tadashii kotae wa nan desu ka.   ( “What is the correct answer?”)

4. Keeping the Order

[Japanese]    静かにしなさい。 Shizuka ni shinasai. [English]         “Be quiet.”

[Japanese]    おしゃべりはやめなさい。  Oshaberi wa yamenasai. [English]         “Stop talking!”

[Japanese]    自分の席に戻りなさい。     Jibun no seki ni modorinasai. [English]         “Go back to your seat!”

[Japanese]    授業に集中しなさい。 Jugy ō ni shūchū shinasai. [English]         “Focus on the class!”

[Japanese]    質問がある時は手をあげてください。   Shitsumon ga aru toki wa te o agete kudasai. [English]         “Raise your hand if you have a question.”

Japanese language learning : To learn more Japanese angry phrases, please also check out Getting Angry in Japanese: 20+ Useful Japanese Angry Phrases . 

5. Student’s Phrases 

At schools in Japan, faculty is usually called by his/her title by students. When students talk to a teacher:  先生 sensei (“Mr./ Mrs.“, Literally: teacher) When students talk to a professor:  教授 ky ō ju (Literally: professor)

If you want to be more specific, add a name in front of a title, such as 高橋先生 Takahashi-sensei (Mr./ Mrs. Takahashi , Literally: Takahashi teacher).

Here is the list of most useful Japanese classroom phrases used by students, including when asking questions to a teacher and when talking with other students.

1. Asking Questions

[Japanese]    すみません、何ページですか。     Sumimasen, nan-p ē ji desu ka. [English]         “Excuse me, what page are we on?”

[Japanese]    わかりません。 Wakarimasen. [English]         “I don’t understand.”

[Japanese]    過去分詞の使い方がわかりません。 Kakobunshi no tsukaikata ga wakarimasen. [English]         “I don’t understand how to use a past participle.”

[Japanese]    その部分をもう一度言ってください。 Sono bubun o m ō ichi-do itte kudasai. [English]         “Please repeat that part again.”

[Japanese]    もう一度ゆっくり言ってもらえますか。 M ō ichi-do yukkuri itte moraemasu ka. [English]         “Can you say that again slowly?”

[Japanese]    もっとわかりやすく説明してください。 Motto wakariyasuku setsumei shite kudasai. [English]         “Please explain it in a more understandable way.”

[Japanese]    質問があります。 Shitsumon ga arimasu. [English]         “I have a question.”

[Japanese]    質問してもいいですか。  Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka. [English]         “Can I ask you a question?”

[Japanese]    先生は今何て言いましたか。 Sensei wa ima nante iimashita ka. [English]         “What did the teacher just say?”

[Japanese]    これは何て発音しますか。 Kore wa nante hatsuon shimasu ka. [English]         “How do you pronounce this?”

[Japanese]    XXXはどういう意味ですか。　 XXX wa d ō iu imi desu ka. [English]         “What does XXX mean?”

[Japanese]    どうしてこの場合に未来完了形を使うのですか。                         Dōshite kono bāi ni mirai kanryōkei o tsukau no desu ka.　 [English]         “Why do you use the future perfect tense in this case?”

[Japanese]    これは合ってますか。 Kore wa atte masu ka. [English]         “Is this correct ?”

[Japanese]    これが正解ですか。 Kore ga seikai desu ka. [English]         “Is this the correct answer?”

[Japanese]    やっと理解しました。 Yatto rikai shimashita. [English]         “I finally understood.”

[Japanese]    トイレに行ってもいいですか。 Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka. [English]         “May I go to the bathroom?”

[Japanese]    気分が悪いので、保健室に行ってもいいですか。                         Kibun ga warui node, hokenshitsu ni itte mo ii desu ka. [English]         “May I go to the infirmary because I feel sick?”

 質問があります。 Shitsumon ga arimasu. (“I have a question.”)

2. Talking Among Students

The speech tone is very casual for conversations among students. The following are handy Japanese classroom phrases when you want to chat with your friends in a class.

[Japanese]    今どこ？ Ima doko? [English]         “Where are we at?”

[Japanese]    今何ページ？ 　Ima nan-pēji? [English]         “Which page are we on?”

[Japanese]    宿題やった？ Shukudai yatta?   [English]         “Did you do your homework?”

[Japanese]    宿題やったのに、家に忘れてきちゃった。 Shukudai yatta noni, ie ni wasurete kichatta. [English]         “Though I did my homework, I forgot it at home.”

[Japanese]    後でノート見せてもらってもいい？  Ato de n ōto misete moratte mo ii? [English]         “Can I see your notebook later?”

[Japanese]    今日の授業は全然わからなかった。 Ky ō no jugy ō wa zenzen wakaranakatta. [English]         “I didn’t understand today’s class at all.”

[Japanese]    この問題が分からないんだけど、教えて。 Kono mondai ga wakaranai n da kedo, oshiete. [English]         “I don’t understand this problem, can you teach me?”

[Japanese]    宿題は何だっけ？ Shukudai wa nan dakke? [English]         “What is the homework?”

[Japanese]   教科書の何ページが試験範囲？ Kyōkasho no nan-pēji ga shiken han’i? [English]         “Which pages of the textbook will be covered in the exam?”

[Japanese]    英語のテストはいつだっけ？  Eigo no tesuto wa itsu dakke? [English]         “When is the English exam?”

[Japanese]   試験の勉強は全然できてない。  Shiken no benkyō wa zenzen dekite nai.               [English]         “I couldn’t study enough for exams at all.”

[Japanese]    テスト/試験 どうだった？ Tesuto / shiken dō datta? [English]         “How was your test / exams?”

[Japanese]   どうしよう、英語のテストが赤点*だった。 Dō shiyō, Eigo no tesuto ga akaten* datta.  [English]         “What should I do, I got a red mark on the English test.”

*赤点 akaten is a slang word for bad grades, it is literally translated as “red mark”, meaning “failing grades”.

[Japanese]   試験の結果は思ったより良かったよ。 Shiken no kekka wa omotta yori yokatta yo.             [English]         “The result of the exam was better than I thought.”

[Japanese]    試験期間が終わったら、カラオケに行こう！ Shiken kikan ga owattara, karaoke ni ikō! [English]         “When the exam period is over, let’s go to Karaoke!”

テストどうだった？ Tesuto dō datta? (“How was your test?”)

6. Talking About Subjects  

1. subject vocabulary [from elementary to high school].

School subjects are one of the most essential parts when learning classroom phrases and vocabulary. 

The following is the list of subjects (科目 kamoku ) that are taught from elementary school to high school in Japan. 

学科 gakka / 科目 kamoku (“School subjects”)

2. Subject Vocabulary [University]

Below are the common department / course of study (学科 gakka ) taught in higher education, such as junior college or university.

3. Example Sentences

Here are some basic phrases in Japanese using subject vocabulary:

[Japanese]    私の一番好きな科目は [subject] です。                          Watashi no ichi-ban suki na kamoku wa [subject] desu. [English]         “My favorite subject is [subject].”

[Japanese]    私は [subject] が得意です。 Watashi wa [subject] ga tokui desu. [English]         “I’m good at [subject].”

[Japanese]    私は [subject] が苦手です。 Watashi wa [subject] ga nigate desu. [English]         “I’m not good at [subject].”

[Japanese]   [subject] は難しいので嫌いです。  [subject] wa muzukashii node kirai desu. [English]         “I don’t like [subject] because it’s difficult.”

[Japanese]    何の科目が一番好きですか。 Nan no kamoku ga ichi-ban suki desu ka. [English]         “What is your favorite subject?”

[Japanese]   何の科目が得意ですか。  Nan no kamoku ga tokui desu ka.              [English]         “Which subjects are you good at?”

[Japanese]    大学では [subject] を学びたいです。 Daigaku de wa [subject] o manabitai desu. [English]         “I’d like to learn [subject] at university.”

[Japanese]   専攻学科は何ですか。 Senkō gakka wa nan desu ka.         [English]         “What is your major?”

[Japanese]   私の専攻学科は [subject] です。 Watashi no senkō gakka wa [subject] desu.           [English]         “My major is [subject].”

[Japanese]    第二外国語としてドイツ語のクラスをとっています。                         Dai-ni gaikokugo toshite Doitsu-go no kurasu o totte imasu. [English]         “I’m taking German class as a second foreign language.”

Japanese language learning : If you want to learn more about how to introduce yourself in Japanese, please see How to Say “My Name is,” in Japanese + More !

7. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced 100+ most useful Japanese Classroom Phrases and Vocabulary, including:

• School vocabulary and the Japanese school system 
• Useful Classroom Greetings and Calls
• Talking about Subjects

Whether you are taking a Japanese class or you want to teach at a Japanese local school and/or study with native students, our guide of Japanese Classroom Phrases and Vocabulary will make your school life easier and more adaptable.

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find a lot more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com . This is the best place to learn Japanese online, providing a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese-language skills. 

If you are interested in more Japanese phrases sorted by situations, the following articles are just right for you: 

• Japanese Travel Phrases for an Enjoyable Trip to Japan

50+ Restaurants Phrases for Eating Out in Japan

• Essential Business Japanese: Learn the Most Useful Phrases

And there’s so much more! Be a faster learner and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com !

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any specific topics or situations you’d like to learn Japanese phrases for. We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you! 

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Watch CBS News

A deadly bacterial infection is spreading in Japan. Here's what to know about causes and prevention.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Paula Cohen

June 18, 2024 / 2:10 PM EDT / CBS News

A potentially deadly bacterial infection called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, or STSS, is spreading in Japan, prompting questions about what causes it and how to prevent it. 

Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases issued a statement  in March warning that STSS was increasing in the country. As of June 2, Japan's health ministry reports  977 cases since the start of 2024 — surpassing  last year's 941 cases .

That's almost two and a half times the number reported in the U.S. so far this year.

STSS is a "rare, but serious" bacterial infection that can "develop very quickly into a life-threatening emergency," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

First symptoms of STSS often include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, the CDC states. Japan's health ministry adds people also experience pain and swelling in the arms and legs.

After 24 to 48 hours, low blood pressure typically develops and can cause more serious issues, including organ failure, increased heart rate and rapid breathing. 

"Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as 3 people will die from the infection," the CDC says.

In the U.S., the CDC has tallied  395 cases  reported so far this year, not far off from the 390 reported at this time last year.

What causes streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?

STSS is caused by toxins released by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus, or GAS, which commonly cause sore throat and skin infections, explains Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, infectious diseases expert and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.

"Less commonly, GAS causes infection in the blood, lungs, as well as 'flesh-eating' infections," Gounder explained. "Approximately 30 to 60% of people experiencing these most serious infections will die from them."

It is not yet understood why these severe infections are becoming more common, experts say, but there are ways to help prevent infection.

"Because chickenpox and influenza are risk factors for severe GAS infection, vaccination against varicella zoster virus and influenza can reduce the risk of severe GAS infection," Gounder said. "People who have been in close contact with someone with severe GAS infections and who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have open wounds should be given antibiotics to prevent infection."

Where is SSTS found?

Anyone can get STSS, the CDC says, but certain risk factors can increase your risk, including:

• Age — it's most common in adults 65 or older
• Infections or injuries that break the skin
• Other health factors, including diabetes and alcohol use disorder

Risk factors for severe Group A Streptococcus infections, Gounder said, include trauma, surgery, burns, immunosuppression, pregnancy, diabetes, injection drug use, homelessness, and chickenpox or influenza infection.

Since late 2022 , multiple countries have experienced increasing rates of GAS, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Sweden.

"Outbreaks like these speak to the need for ongoing infectious disease surveillance and control, not only in the United States, but around the world," Gounder said. 

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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Japan is dealing with a 'flesh-eating bacteria' outbreak. Here's what we know about STSS and how to avoid infection

You may have seen alarming headlines warning of a deadly outbreak in Japan over the past few days.

Some outlets have used terms like "flesh-eating bacteria" and "kills in two days", which has sparked international interest.

But Japanese authorities say this wording is an exaggeration of a potential symptom of an infection that is rarely spread to others.

Let's unpack what we know about the disease and the story spreading around the world.

What is the bacterial infection in Japan?

The clinical term for the disease is streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

According to NSW Health, it's an infection caused by group A bacteria entering the bloodstream or deep tissue.

This kind of bacteria usually causes mild infections like strep throat in children but certain strains can escalate quickly and lead to invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS).

If that sounds familiar, you may have read about cases of iGAS on the rise in Australia last year.

STSS is considered a complication of iGAS that can "develop very quickly into a life-threatening emergency".

How quickly is STSS spreading in Japan?

Japan''s National Institute of Infectious Diseases issued a statement in March warning rates were increasing.

As of June 2, reported cases of STSS in Japan were about 977.

That's quite a leap on the previous period — Japan recorded 941 cases across the entirety of 2023.

Here are the Japanese case numbers from the past few years:

CNN reports this year has already seen the highest number of cases reported in Japan since the current recording method began .

It's not exactly clear why cases are on the rise but Japanese health authorities say a rise in respiratory infections is correlated with COVID-19 measures being relaxed.

Tokyo Women's Medical University professor Ken Kikuchi told Japan's national broadcaster, NHK, people's immune systems were weakened during lockdown.

"We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria but that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic," he said.

"So, more people are now susceptible to infection, and that may be one reason for the sharp rise in cases."

It's also worth noting the trend isn't limited to Japan.

There have also been increases recorded in Europe.

How does it spread?

It's difficult to say.

While people with open wounds are at an increased risk of contracting STSS, it's not known how the bacteria gets into the bodies of nearly half the people who are diagnosed.

The NSW Health Department says the following groups are most susceptible:

• Older adults and children
• People with diabetes
• People with alcohol use disorder
• People undergoing treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• People with an immunodeficiency  

What are the symptoms of STSS?

Early symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting

About 24 to 48 hours after the first symptoms start, the following symptoms may develop:

• Low blood pressure
• Organ failure
• A faster-than-normal heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• The death of body tissue

The death of body tissue, which is also known as necrosis, is where the "flesh-eating bacteria" name has come from.

How is it treated?

People with STSS need to receive care at a hospital.

Australia's national public health information service Healthdirect says the disease is treated with antibiotics.

Surgery may also be required to remove the source of infection.

Are there any travel warnings?

At this stage, you don't need to cancel any travel plans.

Smartraveller, the Australian government's travel advice website, hasn't listed STSS as a health risk for travellers in Japan.

The World Health Organisation also hasn't recommended any travel restrictions for countries experiencing outbreaks.

Even though cases are on the rise, it's still considered very rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection to others.

But the CDC warns "less severe group A strep infections can turn into STSS and these bacteria are contagious".

How can I keep safe?

There's no vaccine available, so the best way to avoid infection is to maintain good hygiene.

That includes:

• Washing your hands often and using hand sanitiser
• Washing your body and hair often with soap and clean, running water
• Keeping any wounds clean and bandaged until they heal
• Avoid bodies of water like hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers and oceans if you have an open wound
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