Translation and Meaning of: 校庭 - koutei

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 校庭 (こうてい). It is common in schools, animes, and even in everyday conversations. But what exactly does it mean? How is it used in the Japanese context? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it easily.

校庭 is a term that frequently appears in educational environments and even in works of fiction. If you want to better understand its meaning, how to write it in kanji, or how to use it in sentences, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations for those who wish to learn Japanese efficiently.

Meaning and Translation of 校庭

The word 校庭 (こうてい) is formed by two kanji: 校, which means "school," and 庭, which means "garden" or "courtyard." Together, they form the term that designates the schoolyard, the open space within a school where students play, practice sports, or participate in events. In English, the closest translation would be "schoolyard" or "school recreational area."

Unlike other like 運動場 (うんどうじょう), which specifically refers to sports fields, 校庭 has a broader meaning. It encomes the entire outdoor space of the school, including grassy areas, gardens, and even places for ceremonies. If you've ever watched animes like "Nichijou" or "Assassination Classroom," you've probably seen scenes that take place in the 校庭 of Japanese schools.

Origin and Cultural Use

The word 校庭 emerged with the modernization of the Japanese educational system during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Before that, traditional schools (terakoya) did not have a designated area as a yard. With the adoption of the Western model of education, schools started to include open areas for physical activities and events, consolidating the term 校庭 in everyday vocabulary.

In Japan, the 校庭 (koutei) is not just a place for recreation. It plays an important role in school events, such as the 運動会 (undoukai), the annual sports festival. In addition, many schools use this space for graduation ceremonies and even for outdoor classes. This multifunctionality makes the term frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.

Tips for Memorizing 校庭

An effective way to memorize 校庭 is to break down the kanji it comprises. The first, 校, appears in other words related to school, such as 学校 (がっこう – school) and 校長 (こうちょう – principal). The second, 庭, is the same used in 庭園 (ていえん – garden). Associating these radicals with their meanings helps to solidify the term.

Another tip is to create simple sentences with the word, such as "校庭でサッカーをします" (I will play soccer in the schoolyard). Practicing with real examples makes internalization easier. If you use apps like Anki, including flashcards with images of Japanese schools and their yards can be a great visual strategy.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 校庭 (Kōtei) - Outdoor area of the school, usually used for recreational activities.
• 学校の庭 (Gakkō no niwa) - School garden, usually composed of plants and flowers.
• 学校のグラウンド (Gakkō no guraundo) - School field, used for sports and physical activities.
• 学校の運動場 (Gakkō no undōjō) - Area designated for sports practices within the school campus.
• 学校の敷地内の広場 (Gakkō no shikichi nai no hiroba) - Square or large space within the school's boundaries for meetings and events.