教習(きょうしゅう)

教習(きょうしゅう) is a formal noun referring to structured instruction or training. In modern usage, the word is most strongly associated with driving instruction — to the point that 教習(きょうしゅう), 教習所(きょうしゅうじょ), and 教習生(きょうしゅうせい) are heard mainly in driving-school contexts.

Forms

• 教(きょう) ("teach") + 習(しゅう) ("learn, practice") → 教習(きょうしゅう)

Common collocations

• 教習(きょうしゅう)所(じょ): training school, especially driving school
• 自動車(じどうしゃ)教習所(きょうしゅうじょ): driving school
• 教習(きょうしゅう)を受(う)ける: to take a lesson, to undergo training
• 教習(きょうしゅう)に通(かよ)う: to attend lessons (regularly)
• 路上(ろじょう)教習(きょうしゅう): on-the-road driving lesson
• 仮免(かりめん)教習(きょうしゅう): instruction with a learner's permit
• 教習(きょうしゅう)生(せい): a student (at a driving school)
• 教習(きょうしゅう)車(しゃ): a driving-school car (marked with a green-and-yellow shoshinsha sign)

Similar / related terms

• 教育(きょういく): education (broad term covering schooling and upbringing)
• 訓練(くんれん): training (often physical or skills-based; military, emergency drills, sports)
• 研修(けんしゅう): professional training (used by companies and government bodies)
• 講習(こうしゅう): short course or seminar (often a one-off or short series)
• 指導(しどう): guidance, instruction (focuses on the act of guiding rather than the program)

Usage

• Japan has a strong driving-school culture: most learners enroll in a 自動車(じどうしゃ)教習所(きょうしゅうじょ), complete classroom lectures and on-road lessons, and "graduate" before taking the licensing exam. Because of this, 教習(きょうしゅう) alone often means "driving instruction" in casual speech.
• For non-driving training, 訓練(くんれん), 研修(けんしゅう), or 講習(こうしゅう) are usually more natural. For instance, a company workshop is a 研修(けんしゅう), not a 教習(きょうしゅう).
• Note the homophone 郷愁(きょうしゅう) ("nostalgia") — same reading, completely different kanji and meaning.