1.
fourth-year student; fourth grader; final-year student (university)
A student in their fourth year of a school. In elementary school refers to a 9–10-year-old, and in a four-year Japanese university refers to a final-year student preparing for graduation.
Formed from 四年 (fourth year) + 生 (student). Read よねんせい, not しねんせい — the よ reading is used for 4 to avoid the unlucky-sounding し.
Common collocations
- 小学四年生: fourth-grade elementary student
- 中学四年生: rare; junior high is only three years
- 大学四年生: fourth-year university student (final year)
- 四年生になる: to become a fourth-year student
Usage
In Japan, elementary school lasts six years and university four years, so 四年生 most commonly refers to either a 9–10-year-old or a graduating university student. Japanese universities use 一年生 through 四年生 rather than "freshman/senior" terminology.
Related Words
Compare:
三年生 (third-year student)