Translation guide
The Japanese education system uses specific terms for 'curriculum' that differ by context. The most common word is カリキュラム, a direct loanword, but native terms like 教育課程 and 履修課程 are used in formal or academic settings. This guide covers how to express the idea of a curriculum in various situations.
Referring to the overall plan of study at a school or for a particular course.
The most common and versatile term. Used in everyday conversation about school subjects, course content, and educational programs.
This school's curriculum is very comprehensive.
A new curriculum will be introduced from next year.
A formal term used in official documents, educational policy, and academic contexts. Refers to the entire educational program of a school or system.
The organization of the curriculum is left to each school.
Specifically refers to the courses a student must take to complete a program. Used in university settings.
Please check the curriculum before registering for courses.
Referring to a document summarizing one's education and work experience.
The standard Japanese résumé form, often a specific template purchased at convenience stores. Used for job applications.
Please send your résumé.
A detailed work history document, often submitted alongside a 履歴書. Closer to a Western CV in detail.
Used in academic or international contexts. Not as common as 履歴書 for general job hunting.
You need to submit a CV to the university.
Referring to the informal lessons learned through school culture or activities.
カリキュラム is the everyday word for curriculum, used by students and teachers alike. 教育課程 is a bureaucratic term found in official guidelines and academic papers. In casual conversation, カリキュラム is always safe.
The curriculum is too heavy, it's tough.
The curriculum standards have been revised.
Although 'curriculum vitae' contains 'curriculum', カリキュラム never means a résumé in Japanese. Use 履歴書 or 職務経歴書 instead.
In the CV, you write specific job duties.
Refers to extracurricular activities, which are a major part of the informal curriculum in Japanese schools.
I learned a lot through extracurricular activities.