授業

じゅぎょう

a class (of school)

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"授業" (じゅぎょう) refers specifically to a class or lesson in an educational context, such as at school or university. It usually implies a formal teaching session led by a teacher or instructor.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "授業" when discussing school schedules, attendance, or classroom behavior. It is a neutral term used in both casual and formal settings.

Typical Collocations

  • 授業を受ける (じゅぎょうをうける): to attend a class
  • 授業を休む (じゅぎょうをやすむ): to miss a class
  • 授業中 (じゅぎょうちゅう): during class

Usage Notes

When using "授業," the focus is on the structured teaching time rather than informal study or self-learning. Avoid confusing it with "勉強" (べんきょう), which means studying in general. "授業" always involves a teacher and a scheduled lesson.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes use "授業" to mean any kind of learning activity, but it specifically means a formal class session. For example, "授業をする" means "to give a class," not just "to study."

Example Sentences

きょうのじゅぎょうはなんじからはじまりますか?

What time does today's class start?

じゅぎょうちゅうはけいたいでんわをつかわないでください。

Please do not use your mobile phone during class.

このじゅぎょうはとてもむずかしいですが、せんせいがていねいにおしえてくれます。

This class is very difficult, but the teacher explains it carefully.