Translation guide
In Japan, 'middle school' typically refers to 中学校 (chūgakkō), which covers grades 7–9. This guide explains how to talk about middle school in Japanese, including the school itself, the student, and related concepts.
Referring to a middle school as an institution or building.
Standard term for a middle school (grades 7–9) in Japan.
私の通っている中学校は新しいです。
The middle school I attend is new.
Abbreviation of 中学校, commonly used in casual conversation.
中学の時、バスケ部だった。
I was in the basketball club in middle school.
Referring to a middle school student.
Referring to specific grades within middle school.
Pattern for specifying the year: N = 1, 2, or 3. 中学1年生 = 7th grade, 中学2年生 = 8th grade, 中学3年生 = 9th grade.
彼は中学2年生です。
He is an 8th grader (second-year middle school student).
Abbreviated form, common in casual contexts. 中1 = 7th grade, 中2 = 8th grade, 中3 = 9th grade.
中1の時、英語を習い始めた。
I started learning English when I was in 7th grade.
Talking about the period of life when one is in middle school.
When I was in middle school / during my middle school days.
中学生の頃、よくゲームをした。
I used to play games a lot when I was in middle school.
Middle school days/era, slightly more formal or written.
中学時代の友達と今でも連絡を取っている。
I still keep in touch with friends from my middle school days.
Referring to middle school systems outside Japan (e.g., US grades 6–8).
Use 中学校 but be aware that the grade range may differ. If necessary, clarify the grades, e.g., 「アメリカの中学は6年生から8年生までです」.
アメリカでは、中学校は6年生から8年生までです。
In the US, middle school is from 6th to 8th grade.
中学校 (chūgakkō) is middle school (grades 7–9), while 高校 (kōkō) is high school (grades 10–12). Do not confuse them.
Avoid translating 'middle school' literally as 真ん中の学校 (mannaka no gakkō). It is not used and sounds unnatural.