noun
small private school; cram school
Modern use: a privately run school, often small-scale, especially for exam preparation or supplementary education.
彼は地元の私塾で数学を教えている。
He teaches math at a local private school.
受験のために私塾に通う生徒が多い。
Many students attend private cram schools for entrance exams.
noun
private school (Edo period); Confucian private academy
Historical use: a private school in the Edo period, originally run by Confucian scholars, distinct from official domain schools.
江戸時代には多くの私塾が開かれた。
Many private schools were opened during the Edo period.
この私塾はもともと儒学者によって運営されていた。
This private school was originally run by Confucian scholars.
Compound of 私 (private) and 塾 (school). The term has been used since the Edo period to refer to privately established educational institutions, originally often associated with Confucian scholarship.