Translation and Meaning of: 校 - kou

The Japanese word 校[こう] is an essential term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in educational and institutional contexts, being part of the basic vocabulary for everyday communication. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as curiosities that help to better understand how this word is perceived by native speakers.

If you have studied Japanese, you have probably come across 校[こう] in words like 学校[がっこう] (school) or 校長[こうちょう] (principal). But do you know all the nuances of this kanji? Let's uncover everything from its writing to examples of how it is used in common phrases. Whether for memorization or use in conversations, understanding 校[こう] is an important step in learning Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 校[こう]

The kanji 校 carries the main meaning of "school" or "educational institution," but its use goes beyond that. It can also refer to revision or correction, as in 校正[こうせい] (text revision). This duality of meanings shows how a single character can encom different concepts depending on the context in which it is applied.

In the formation of compound words, 校[こう] appears frequently. Besides the examples already mentioned, we have 校舎[こうしゃ] (school building) and 校則[こうそく] (school rules). This kanji is so present in everyday Japanese that hardly a day goes by without a native speaker using it, whether in reading or writing.

Origin and writing of the kanji 校

The etymology of 校 traces back to ancient China, where the character originally represented the idea of "to compare" or "to adjust." Over time, its meaning evolved to include the concept of "a place where one corrects and teaches," hence its association with schools. The kanji is composed of the radical 木 (tree) and the component 交 (crossing), suggesting a structure where knowledge is transmitted.

In writing, 校 follows the traditional stroke order of kanji, starting from the left side and ending on the right. Mastering its correct writing is important for those who wish to learn Japanese accurately. Interestingly, this kanji retains the same form in both the Japanese writing system and in Chinese, although the pronunciations are different.

Tips for memorizing and using 校[こう]

An effective strategy to memorize 校 is to associate it with words you already know. For example, 学校[がっこう] is probably one of the first words students learn. Creating mental connections between this familiar term and others that contain 校 can speed up the learning process. Another tip is to practice writing while saying the pronunciation out loud.

In of practical use, it is worth paying attention to how 校 appears in different contexts. Watching Japanese school dramas or reading mangas with educational themes can be a fun way to reinforce vocabulary. Many schools in Japan use 校 in their names, such as 東京大学校[とうきょうだいがっこう] (Tokyo University), highlighting its importance in the identity of institutions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 学校 (Gakkou) - School
• 教育機関 (Kyouiku Kikan) - Educational Institution
• 学院 (Gakuin) - Academy
• 学府 (Gakufu) - Higher Education Institution
• 学園 (Gakuen) - Educational Campus
• 学校教育 (Gakkou Kyouiku) - School Education
• 学校教育機関 (Gakkou Kyouiku Kikan) - Educational Institution
• 学校制度 (Gakkou Seido) - School System
• 学校教育制度 (Gakkou Kyouiku Seido) - School Education System
• 学校教育施設 (Gakkou Kyouiku Shisetsu) - School Education Facilities
• 学校教育施設等 (Gakkou Kyouiku Shisetsu-tou) - School Education Facilities, etc.
• 学校教育施設等における教育 (Gakkou Kyouiku Shisetsu-tou niokeru Kyouiku) - Education in Educational Facilities, etc.
• 学校教育施設等における教育及び研究 (Gakkou Kyouiku Shisetsu-tou niokeru Kyouiku oyobi Kenkyuu) - Education and Research in School Education Facilities, etc.
• 学校教育施設等における教育及び研究の推進 (Gakkou Kyouiku Shisetsu-tou niokeru Kyouiku oyobi Kenkyuu no Suishin) - Promotion of Education and Research in Educational Facilities, etc.