Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'schoolgirl' is most naturally expressed by specifying the school level, such as 女子高生 for a high school girl. Direct translations like 女生徒 exist but are less common in everyday speech. The choice depends on context, formality, and the girl's age.
To refer to a female high school student in everyday conversation.
Abbreviation of 女子高校生. This is the most common and natural way to say 'high school girl' in casual and everyday contexts.
Those schoolgirls always look like they're having fun.
The full form of 女子高生. Slightly more formal but still common.
The schoolgirls' uniforms have been renewed.
Literally 'female student'. Can refer to any school level but is more formal and less common in speech. Often used in written or official contexts.
All the schoolgirls at that school wear white blouses.
To refer to a female middle school student.
Standard term for a female middle school student.
The schoolgirls from the neighborhood often study at the library.
To refer to a female elementary school student.
Standard term for a female elementary school student.
The schoolgirls are playing in the park.
To refer to a schoolgirl without specifying the school level, or when the level is unknown.
To evoke the image of a schoolgirl in uniform, often in anime/manga or fashion contexts.
The literal translation 学校の少女 is unnatural and not used. Always specify the school level or use a standard term like 女子生徒.
In Japanese, it's common to specify whether someone is an elementary, middle, or high school student. When in doubt, 女子高生 is the safest default for 'schoolgirl' in casual contexts.
女生徒の間でその漫画が流行っている。
That manga is popular among schoolgirls.
A schoolgirl in a sailor uniform appears in that movie.