通信簿(つうしんぼ)

The informal, commonly used name for a school report card. The formal name is 通知表(つうちひょう) or 通知票(つうちひょう), but 通信簿(つうしんぼ) is the term most people grew up using and is deeply associated with school memories.

Cultural note

Japanese schools typically have three terms, and 通信簿(つうしんぼ) are given at the end of each. Grades are often on a 5-point scale (5 being the best). The report card also includes teacher comments and attendance records. Receiving the 通信簿(つうしんぼ) at the end-of-term ceremony is a memorable school ritual.

Common collocations

• 通信簿(つうしんぼ)をもらう — to receive a report card
• 通信簿(つうしんぼ)を見(み)せる — to show one's report card
• 通信簿(つうしんぼ)の成績(せいせき) — grades on the report card

Related words

• 通知表(つうちひょう) — report card; the more formal/official name
• 成績表(せいせきひょう) — grade sheet, transcript; used at higher levels
• 内申書(ないしんしょ) — school report for high school admissions; an internal evaluation sent by the school