noun
elementary school; primary school
Abbreviation of 小学校. Used in compound words and formal contexts, such as 小学一年生 (first grader) or 小学部 (elementary division).
See also: 小学校
彼は小学一年生です。
He is a first grader in elementary school.
小学部の運動会は来週です。
The elementary division's sports day is next week.
noun
ancient Chinese school for older children
Historical term referring to a school in ancient China for children over eight years old. Not used in modern Japanese contexts.
古代中国では、八歳以上の子供は小学に通った。
In ancient China, children over eight attended elementary schools.
noun
traditional Chinese philology
Refers to the study of ancient Chinese texts, characters, and language. A specialized academic term.
彼は大学で小学を専攻している。
He is majoring in traditional Chinese philology at university.