初等(しょとう)

しょとう
noun, no-adjective
elementary; primary; introductory
1. elementary; primary; introductory; beginning level
The first or most basic level of something, especially in education. Refers to the foundational stage before advancing to higher levels.
初等(しょとう)教育(きょういく)は大切(たいせつ)だ。
Elementary education is important.
初等(しょとう)数学(すうがく)から学(まな)び直(なお)す。
I'm relearning from elementary mathematics.
この講座(こうざ)は初等(しょとう)レベルの内容(ないよう)なので、初心者(しょしんしゃ)でも安心(あんしん)して参加(さんか)できる。
This course covers introductory-level content, so even beginners can participate with confidence.

USAGE:
Primarily used as a prefix in compound words. 初等(しょとう)教育(きょういく) refers to primary/elementary education (grades 1-6 in Japan). Part of a series: 初等(しょとう) (elementary) → 中等(ちゅうとう) (intermediate/secondary) → 高等(こうとう) (higher/advanced).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 初等(しょとう)教育(きょういく) (elementary education)
  • 初等(しょとう)数学(すうがく) (elementary mathematics)
  • 初等(しょとう)レベル (introductory level)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 中等(ちゅうとう): intermediate, secondary — the next level up
  • 高等(こうとう): higher, advanced — the highest level
general
Added 2026.3.15 9:18
16500/16905_shotou