Japanese word

小学生

Pronunciation

Romajishōgakusei

Meaning

  • nounelementary school student

Example

弟は小学生です。otōto wa shō gaku sei de su

My younger brother is an elementary school student.

Illustration for 小学生 (elementary school student)

More examples

この図書館には小学生が楽しめる本がたくさんあります。ko no to sho kan ni wa shō gaku sei ga tano shi me ru hon ga ta ku sa n a ri ma su

This library has many books that elementary school students can enjoy.

Core concept

Describes a child whose daily learning takes place in elementary school.

Common phrases

  • 小学生の頃shō gaku sei no koro

    when I was in elementary school

  • 小学生としてshō gaku sei to shi te

    as an elementary school student

Definition in Japanese

小学校に通う児童。shō gak kō ni kayo u ji dō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 小学生 (shōgakusei) combines 小 (shō, "small"), 学 (gaku, "learning"), and 生 (sei, "student") to mean a student in elementary school.

Usage tips

  • Japan's elementary school has six grades, so 小学生 (shōgakusei) usually refers to children from about six to twelve.

Word lists with this word