Japanese word

高校生

Pronunciation

Romajikōkōsei

Meaning

  • nounhigh school student

Example

私の兄は高校生です。watashi no ani wa kō kō sei de su

My older brother is a high school student.

Illustration for 高校生 (high school student)

More examples

私は来年、高校生になります。watashi wa rai nen kō kō sei ni na ri ma su

I will become a high school student next year.

Core concept

It identifies someone through the stage of schooling they attend, placing them between middle school and university.

Common phrases

  • 高校生になるkō kō sei ni na ru

    become a high school student

  • 高校生のころkō kō sei no ko ro

    during one's high school years

Similar words

学生gakusei: A person enrolled in an educational institution and engaged in study.
生徒seito: A person who learns at a school, especially at the elementary or secondary level.

Definition in Japanese

高等学校に在学して学ぶ生徒。kō tō gak kō ni zai gaku shi te mana bu sei to

Word origin

The noun 高校生 (kōkōsei, "high school student") combines 高校 (kōkō, "high school") and 生 (sei, "student"); 高校 is shortened from 高等学校 (kōtōgakkō, "high school").

Usage tips

  • Because Japanese does not mark plural nouns, 高校生 (kōkōsei) can mean one high school student or several, depending on context.

Word lists with this word