(がっこう)

がっこう
noun
school
1. school
An educational institution. Can refer to any level: elementary school (小学校(しょうがっこう)), middle school (中学校(ちゅうがっこう)), high school (高校(こうこう)/高等学校(こうとうがっこう)), or the general concept of school as a place of learning.
学校(がっこう)()
I go to school.
What time does school start?
School is closed today.
My school is close to the station, about ten minutes on foot.

学校(がっこう) is the general term for any educational institution. It covers all levels from elementary to university.

SCHOOL LEVELS:

  • 小学校(しょうがっこう): elementary school (6 years)
  • 中学校(ちゅうがっこう): middle school (3 years)
  • 高校(こうこう) / 高等学校(こうとうがっこう): high school (3 years)
  • 大学(だいがく): university

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 学校(がっこう)()く: to go to school
  • 学校(がっこう)(やす)む: to be absent from school
  • 学校(がっこう)()わる: school ends (for the day)
  • 学校(がっこう)生活(せいかつ): school life

Note that に marks the destination: 学校(がっこう)()く. When 学校(がっこう) is the topic or subject, は or が is used instead.