校舎

こうしゃ

school building

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"校舎" refers specifically to the physical buildings of a school, such as classrooms, libraries, and other facilities. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing when talking about the school environment.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "校舎" when discussing school infrastructure, renovations, or locations within a school. For example, "新しい校舎" (new school building) or "校舎の中" (inside the school building).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 校舎が完成する: the school building is completed
  • 校舎の中: inside the school building
  • 校舎の前: in front of the school building

These phrases help specify location or status related to the school buildings.

Register and Usage Notes

"校舎" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is more specific than just "学校" (school), which can mean the institution or the concept of school itself.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "校舎" with "学校". Remember, "校舎" means the physical building(s), while "学校" refers to the school as an institution or concept.

Example Sentences

あたらしいこうしゃがらいげつかんせいします。

The new school building will be completed next month.

こうしゃのなかにはとしょかんやきょうしつがあります。

Inside the school building, there are a library and classrooms.

こうしゃのまえでともだちとまちあわせをしました。

I met my friend in front of the school building.