Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'fellow student' depends on the relationship and context. Common terms include 同級生 for classmates in the same grade, クラスメート for classmates in the same class, and 学友 for a more formal or literary schoolmate. For schoolmates in general, 学校の友達 or 同じ学校の子 are natural. In many situations, simply using the person's name or a title is preferred.
To refer to a student in the same grade or year level, often in school or university.
The most common and neutral term for a fellow student in the same grade. Can be used from elementary school through university.
彼は私の同級生です。
He is my fellow student (in the same grade).
同級生と一緒に勉強した。
I studied with a fellow student from my grade.
Used for someone who entered the same school, company, or program in the same year. Common in university and workplace contexts, but can also refer to schoolmates.
大学の同期と飲みに行った。
I went out for drinks with a fellow student from my university year.
To refer to a student in the same specific class or course, often in school.
A common loanword for a classmate in the same class. Casual and widely understood.
クラスメートにノートを借りた。
I borrowed notes from a classmate.
A natural, casual phrase meaning 'a kid in the same class'. Often used by younger students or in informal conversation.
同じクラスの子と遊んだ。
I played with a kid from my class.
To refer to someone who attends the same school, without specifying grade or class.
Literally 'school friend'. A natural way to refer to a fellow student you are friendly with.
学校の友達と帰った。
I went home with a friend from school.
A casual phrase meaning 'a kid from the same school'. Used when the relationship is not necessarily close friendship.
同じ学校の子に会った。
I ran into a kid from my school.
A formal or literary term for a schoolmate or fellow student. Often used in written contexts or formal speeches.
To refer to someone taking the same class or course, especially in university or specialized settings.
A natural phrase meaning 'a person taking the same class'. Useful when you don't know the person well.
同じ授業を取っている人に聞いた。
I asked someone who is taking the same class.
Also used for university classmates in the same course, though slightly less common than in school settings.
クラスメートとグループワークをした。
I did group work with a classmate.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to refer to a fellow student by name or title (e.g., 田中さん) rather than using a generic term like 'fellow student'. This is especially true when the person is known to the listener.
The English phrase 'fellow student' can sound stiff if translated directly. In casual conversation, phrases like 同じ学校の子 or simply using the person's name are more natural.
彼は私の学友です。
He is my schoolmate.