Translation and Meaning of: 大学 - daigaku

The Japanese word 大学[だいがく] is essential for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It represents a familiar concept in any society: higher education. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, you will discover curiosities about its kanji and tips for memorizing it efficiently.

If you've ever researched education in Japan, you've likely come across this word. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to explain not only the translation but also the cultural context behind 大学. Let's start by unraveling its basic meaning and then dive into details that will enrich your understanding of the language.

Meaning and use of 大学 in everyday Japanese

大学 is composed of two kanji: 大 (big) and 学 (study), forming the idea of "big study" or, as we know it in Portuguese, "university." This word is used to refer to higher education institutions, both public and private. In Japan, getting into a good 大学 is seen as a crucial step for one's professional future.

Unlike Portuguese, where we use like "faculdade" and "universidade" interchangeably, in Japanese, 大学 is the standard term for this concept. You might hear phrases like 大学に行きます (I am going to university) or 大学の先生 (university professor). It is a high-frequency word, especially in conversations about education and career.

The origin and the kanji of 大学

The composition of 大学 has roots in classical Chinese, where it originally referred to "great learning" in Confucianism. Over time, the term was adopted in Japan with the modern meaning we know today. The kanji 学 appears in several other words related to study, such as 学生 (student) and 学校 (school), which aids in memorization.

An interesting curiosity is that the kanji 大 can also be read as おお, as in 大雨 (heavy rain). This variation in reading is common in Japanese and is worth paying attention to. To memorize 大学, a tip is to associate the image of a "large place of study" - literally what the kanjis represent.

The cultural role of 大学 in Japanese society

In Japan, universities are not just academic institutions, but also spaces for social formation. The most prestigious 大学, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, are highly competitive. Many students spend years preparing for the entrance exams, known as 受験 (juken). This process is so intense that there is even a word to describe it: 受験戦争 (guerra de exames).

It is worth noting that, culturally, entering a good 大学 is seen as crucial for the future. Japanese companies traditionally recruit directly from the most prestigious universities. This system, although it is gradually changing, still greatly influences the importance given to the term 大学 in everyday Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 大学院 (Daigakuin) - Graduate Institute
• 大学校 (Daigakku) - University-level school
• 大学部 (Daigakubu) - College or university department
• 大専 (Daisen) - University-level specialized institute
• 大学堂 (Daigakudou) - University building or classroom