生徒

seito
nounBeginner
formal

student (someone who attends school or is enrolled in an educational institution)

彼は高校生徒です。

He is a high school student.

生徒は先生の指示に従うべきです。

Students should follow the teacher's instructions.

💡

The term '生徒' is commonly used for students in primary, secondary, and vocational schools. For university students, '学生' (gakusei) is more commonly used.

Collocations

生徒会student council生徒数number of students生徒手帳student handbook

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

生徒の日phrase
Student's Day (a day to celebrate students)

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Formal Contexts

In formal contexts, such as school announcements or official documents, '生徒' is the preferred term for students in primary and secondary education.

Gold Rule

Distinction from '学生'

While '生徒' and '学生' can sometimes be used interchangeably, '生徒' is more commonly used for younger students, whereas '学生' is typically reserved for university students.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '生' (life, living) and '徒' (follower, disciple), originally referring to someone who follows a teacher or master.

📝Usage Notes

'生徒' is more commonly used for younger students, while '学生' is used for university students. In some contexts, the two terms may be interchangeable.

Word Breakdown

life, living
root
+
follower, disciple
root
Noted on May 2, 2026JAEN