Translation and Meaning of: 転校 - tenkou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 転校 (てんこう). It appears in school contexts, dramas, and even in everyday conversations, but what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it and understanding its impact on Japanese society. Whether to expand your vocabulary or satisfy your curiosity, here you will find valuable information.

Meaning and translation of 転校

転校 (てんこう) is a Japanese term that means "school transfer." It is made up of two kanji: 転 (てん), which can mean "to change" or "to rotate," and 校 (こう), which refers to "school." Together, these characters form a word that describes the act of transferring from one educational institution to another.

In Japan, school transfer is a common process, but it can be filled with emotional significance. Unlike in some countries where school changes are frequent, in Japan, where stability and social ties are valued, 転校 can represent a significant moment in a student's life.

Cultural use and social context

In Japan, the word 転校 is not just a bureaucratic term. It carries emotional weight, especially for children and teenagers. Since Japanese society places a high value on group harmony and long-term relationships, changing schools can be a social challenge. Many animes and dramas depict this theme, showcasing how the characters cope with adapting to a new environment.

Moreover, school transfer is often linked to family changes, such as relocation for parents' jobs. This means that 転校 is associated not only with education but also with transformations in personal life. In some situations, the word can even evoke feelings of loneliness or anxiety, depending on the context in which it is used.

Tips for memorizing and using 転校

An effective way to memorize 転校 is to break the word down into its components. The kanji 転 appears in other like 転職 (てんしょく, job change) and 転居 (てんきょ, change of residence), always with the idea of "change". Meanwhile, 校 is a common character in words related to education, such as 学校 (がっこう, school). Associating these radicals with other vocabulary can aid in retention.

To practice using 転校, try creating simple sentences like "来月転校します" (らいげつ てんこうします, "I will transfer schools next month"). This type of exercise helps internalize the word in real contexts. If you use apps like Anki, including sentence examples with 転校 can be a great review strategy.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 転校 (tenkō) - School transfer
• 転入 (tennyū) - Transfer of residence (to a new location)
• 転出 (tenshutsu) - House relocation (to another location)
• 学校転移 (gakkō ten'i) - School transfer (emphasizing change of institution)
• 学校移転 (gakkōiten) - Change of school location (general, not focused on student transfer)