The school year
The Japanese school year starts in April and runs in three terms, with a ceremony at each end and big events in between. This lesson gives you the words on the school calendar, so you know what's coming and when. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
G
25 school-year words
Each card shows a word from the school calendar and a sentence you'd hear from another parent, your child or the school. Six use words from Everyday Japanese 1 and 2.
M
How the year is split
Most schools have three terms () with holidays in between. Ceremonies open and close each term.
| Word | When | What happens |
|---|
- The year starts in April. New classes, new teachers and the all come in April. Everything finishes in March.
- Some schools have two terms. A few use and instead of three .
- Sports day moves. Many schools now hold the in May or June instead of the autumn. Check the .
- Saying the year. Primary goes from to , then junior high is to , often shortened to .
C
Three patterns to use today
Z
Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.