Meaning and Role
The word 校長 (こうちょう) refers to the principal or headmaster of a school, who is the highest authority responsible for managing the school. This term is commonly used in elementary, junior high, and high schools in Japan.
Usage in Context
When you hear 校長, it often implies a formal or respectful tone, especially when combined with 先生 (せんせい) as 校長先生, which is a polite way to address or refer to the principal.
Common Collocations
- 校長先生 (こうちょうせんせい): a respectful way to say 'principal'
- 校長会議 (こうちょうかいぎ): principal's meeting
- 校長室 (こうちょうしつ): principal's office
Register and Politeness
This word is formal and used in official or school-related contexts. When speaking directly to the principal, adding 先生 after 校長 is polite and common.
Learner Tips
A common mistake is confusing 校長 with 教長 (きょうちょう), which means 'education director' or 'superintendent.' Remember 校長 is specifically the head of a school, while 教長 is a higher administrative position in education departments.