講堂

こうどう

auditorium

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 講堂 (こうどう) refers to an auditorium or a large hall typically used for lectures, ceremonies, or events. It is commonly found in schools, universities, and public buildings.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 講堂 used when talking about school events, lectures, or performances that require a large indoor space. It implies a formal or semi-formal setting.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 講堂で (in the auditorium): used to specify the location of an event.
  • 学校の講堂 (school auditorium): a common phrase indicating the auditorium within a school.
  • 講堂を使う (use the auditorium): referring to holding an event or lecture there.

Register and Nuance

講堂 is a neutral and polite term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is not casual slang but is commonly used in everyday conversation about school or public events.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 講堂 with 教室 (きょうしつ, classroom) or 会議室 (かいぎしつ, meeting room). Remember, 講堂 is a larger space designed for audiences, not a small classroom or meeting room.

Example Sentences

がっこうのこうどうでぶんかさいがおこなわれました。

The cultural festival was held in the school's auditorium.

こうどうはおおきくて、たくさんのひとがはいれます。

The auditorium is large and can hold many people.

あしたのこうぎはこうどうでおこなわれます。

Tomorrow's lecture will be held in the auditorium.