Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'student' depends on the educational level and context. The most common general term is 学生 (がくせい), but there are specific words for elementary, middle, high school, and university students. Additionally, when addressing or referring to students in a teacher-student relationship, the term 生徒 (せいと) is often used.
Referring to a student in a broad sense, especially at the university level or when the level is unspecified.
The most common and general word for 'student'. It can refer to students at any level, but it is most strongly associated with university students. It is safe to use in most contexts.
Specifically referring to a child in elementary school (grades 1-6).
The standard word for an elementary school student.
My younger sister is an elementary school student.
Specifically referring to a student in junior high school (grades 7-9).
Specifically referring to a student in senior high school (grades 10-12).
The standard word for a high school student.
When I was a high school student, I had a part-time job.
Specifically referring to a student at a university or college.
The standard word for a university/college student. Note that 学生 alone often implies university student in context.
She is a university student studying medicine.
Referring to a student from the perspective of a teacher, instructor, or master. Often used for middle/high school students or in private lessons.
Used when talking about students in relation to a teacher or school. Commonly used for middle and high school students, but also for students of private tutors, cram schools, or lessons (e.g., piano, English). Not typically used for university students in a general sense, but can be used by a professor referring to their own students.
I am an English student (taking lessons).
Referring to a student pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.
The standard word for a graduate student. Often shortened to 院生 (いんせい) in casual contexts.
He is a graduate student researching physics.
Referring to a student studying abroad or from another country.
Specifically refers to a student studying abroad, i.e., an international student.
She is an international student from Japan.
学生 is a general term for 'student' and is often used for university students or when the level is unspecified. 生徒 is used for students in a teacher-student relationship, typically in middle/high school or private lessons. A university student is usually 学生, but a professor might refer to their own students as 生徒. Elementary school students are 小学生, not usually 生徒.
I am a student (likely university).
I am a piano student.
When the school level is known, it is more natural to use the specific term (小学生, 中学生, 高校生, 大学生) rather than the generic 学生. For example, 'I am a high school student' is 高校生です, not just 学生です.
I am a high school student.
The teacher gave the students homework.