カルチャー

かるちゃー
noun
culture
1. culture, cultural activity
Culture in a broad sense, or cultural and educational activities pursued as hobbies. Often used in compound words.
カルチャーの違(ちが)いに驚(おどろ)いた。
I was surprised by the cultural differences.
カルチャースクールで陶芸(とうげい)を習(なら)っている。
I'm taking pottery classes at a culture school.
海外(かいがい)に住(す)むとカルチャーショックを経験(けいけん)することが多(おお)い。
When living abroad, one often experiences culture shock.

From English "culture." The native Japanese word 文化(ぶんか) is more common in formal and academic contexts, while カルチャー is used in casual speech and in specific compound words.

Compounds

  • カルチャーショック: culture shock
  • カルチャースクール: culture school (community classes for hobbies like cooking, arts, languages)
  • カルチャーセンター: culture center (venue for hobby classes)
  • サブカルチャー (サブカル): subculture
  • ポップカルチャー: pop culture

Usage

カルチャースクール is a distinctly Japanese concept — community-oriented schools offering hobby classes for adults, typically run by newspapers or department stores.

Related Words

Synonym: 文化(ぶんか) (culture (native, formal))
general
Added 2026.2.10 17:36 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10844_karuchaa