(めいもんこう)

めいもんこう
noun
prestigious school; elite school
1. prestigious school; elite school; distinguished institution
A school with a long history, strong reputation, and notable achievements, whether in academics, sports, or other areas. Applies to schools at all levels from elementary through university.
息子(むすこ)名門校(めいもんこう)()れたい。
I want to get my son into a prestigious school.
あの名門校(めいもんこう)毎年(まいとし)東大(とうだい)(おお)くの合格者(ごうかくしゃ)()す。
That prestigious school produces many successful Tokyo University applicants every year.
甲子園(こうしえん)には全国(ぜんこく)名門校(めいもんこう)(あつ)まる。
Elite schools from across the country gather at Koshien.

Composed of 名門(めいもん) (distinguished family/lineage; prestigious institution) + (こう) (school). Refers to schools renowned for their tradition, academic excellence, or competitive success in sports.

In Japan, 名門校(めいもんこう) can refer to academic powerhouses (schools that send many students to top universities), or to schools famous for sports achievements (especially in baseball at 甲子園(こうしえん) or in 駅伝(えきでん) relay racing).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 名門校(めいもんこう)(かよ)う: to attend a prestigious school
  • 名門校(めいもんこう)出身(しゅっしん): graduate of a prestigious school
  • 名門校(めいもんこう)同士(どうし)対戦(たいせん): a match between elite schools
  • 私立(しりつ)名門校(めいもんこう): private prestigious school
  • 地元(じもと)名門校(めいもんこう): local elite school

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 名門(めいもん): prestigious institution — the base word, also used for families and organizations
  • 進学校(しんがくこう): college-prep school — specifically focused on academic achievement and university entrance
  • 有名校(ゆうめいこう): famous school — simply well-known, without the prestige connotation