Translation guide
In Japan, early childhood care and education is split into two main types: hoikuen (daycare) and youchien (kindergarten). The English term 'nursery school' can refer to either, depending on context, but most commonly maps to hoikuen for younger children or full-day care.
nursery school (preschool/kindergarten)
Half-day education for ages 3–5
A facility that cares for children from infancy to preschool age, typically while parents work. This is the most common equivalent for 'nursery school' in British English or when emphasizing care over education.
The standard term for a daycare center. Accepts children from around 6 months to 5 years old. Hours are typically 7:30–18:30, making it suitable for working parents. Focus is on care, but includes educational activities.
I leave my child at nursery school.
Formal or legal term for the same type of facility as 保育園. Often used in official documents or when discussing the system.
A smaller, often temporary or part-time childcare facility, sometimes within a company or shopping center. Not a full-time nursery school.
A school-like setting for children aged 3 to 5, focusing on early education. In American English, 'nursery school' often means this, and in Japan it corresponds to youchien or kodomoen.
Kindergarten, typically for ages 3–5. Hours are shorter (usually 9:00–14:00), with a curriculum focused on education and social skills. Not designed for full-time working parents unless extended care is available.
Next year my daughter will start nursery school.
A certified 'children's center' combining daycare and kindergarten functions. Offers full-day care and education. Increasingly common as a hybrid option.
Loanword from English, used for private, often international or English-language preschools. Not the standard Japanese system.
I send my child to an international nursery school.
In the UK, a 'nursery school' can be a class attached to a primary school. In Japan, this is not a standard concept, but similar settings exist.
The first year of kindergarten (for 3-year-olds) is sometimes likened to a nursery class. However, it's part of the kindergarten system, not a separate school.
My child is in the nursery class at kindergarten.
保育園 (hoikuen) is daycare: longer hours, ages 0–5, care-oriented, under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. 幼稚園 (youchien) is kindergarten: shorter hours, ages 3–5, education-oriented, under the Ministry of Education. If you need full-day care, say 保育園. If you mean a half-day educational preschool, say 幼稚園.
The direct loanword ナーサリースクール is rarely used and may not be understood. Use 保育園 or 幼稚園 depending on the type.
認可保育所に入るのは難しいです。
It's difficult to get into a licensed nursery school.
このデパートには託児所があります。
This department store has a nursery (crèche).
Kodomoen has the functions of both nursery school and kindergarten.