Japanese word

保育

Pronunciation

Romajihoiku

Meaning

  • nounchildcare

Example

私は保育の仕事をしています。watashi wa ho iku no shi goto o shi te i ma su

I work in childcare.

Illustration for 保育 (childcare)

More examples

地域の施設で保育を学んでいます。chi iki no shi setsu de ho iku o mana n de i ma su

I am studying childcare at a local facility.

Core concept

Refers to caring for children in ways that support both their daily lives and their healthy development.

Common phrases

  • 保育の現場ho iku no gen ba

    childcare setting

  • 保育を学ぶho iku o mana bu

    study childcare

  • 保育をするho iku o su ru

    provide childcare

Similar words

育児ikuji: Daily care and raising of a child, including basic needs and health.
子育てkosodate: The everyday work of raising children, often referring to family life.
託児takuji: Temporary care of children while their guardians are away.

Definition in Japanese

乳幼児を安全に見守り、生活の世話と成長の援助を行うこと。nyū yō ji o an zen ni mi mamo ri sei katsu no se wa to sei chō no en jo o okona u ko to

Word origin

The compound 保 (ho, "protect") + 育 (iku, "nurture") forms 保育 (hoiku, "childcare"), linking children's safety with their development.

Usage tips

  • The word childcare can describe care provided by parents, relatives, or professionals, so it is broader than care at a day-care center.

Other meanings

  • day carenoun

Related words

  • 保育士hoikushichildcare workernoun
  • 保育者hoikushachildcare providernoun

Word lists with this word