Meaning and Usage
"留学生" (りゅうがくせい) means "international student" or "foreign student"—someone who studies abroad in a country different from their own. It is a common noun used in academic and everyday contexts.
Common Contexts
This word is often used when talking about students who come to Japan to study at universities, language schools, or other educational institutions. It can also appear in news, school announcements, and conversations about cultural exchange.
Collocations and Patterns
- 留学生として (as an international student): Used to describe the role or status of the person.
- 留学生支援 (support for international students): Refers to services or programs helping 留学生.
- 留学生交流会 (international student exchange meeting): Events where 留学生 meet and interact.
Register and Nuance
"留学生" is a neutral, standard term suitable for formal and informal situations. It does not carry any negative or overly formal connotations.
Common Learner Mistake
Sometimes learners confuse "留学生" with "学生" (student) or "外国人" (foreigner). Remember, 留学生 specifically means a student studying abroad, not just any foreign person or any student.