学校
gakkōnoun★Beginner
formal
school (educational institution for primary or secondary education)
私は学校に行きます
I go to school
学校の授業は楽しい
School lessons are fun
💡
Can refer to elementary, junior high, or high school depending on context
Collocations
学校に行くto go to school学校を休むto skip school学校の友達school friends
Synonyms
Related Phrases
学校生活phrase
school life
学校の制服phrase
school uniform
💡Pro Tip
Common Shortening
In casual conversation, '学校' is often shortened to 'がっこ' (gakko), especially when talking about elementary school.
⚡Gold Rule
Formal vs. Casual
Use '学校' in formal writing or when referring to the institution itself. Use 'がっこ' in casual speech about daily school life.
📖Word Origin
From 学 (gaku, 'study') + 校 (kō, 'school')
📝Usage Notes
In formal contexts, often refers to compulsory education institutions. In casual speech, may be shortened to 'がっこ' (gakko).
Word Breakdown
学
study
root校
school
root✎ Noted on May 2, 2026JA → EN