Translation guide
The Japanese education system uses specific terms for 'curriculum' that differ by context. The most common word is カリキュラム, a direct loanword, but native terms like 教育課程 and 履修課程 are used in formal or academic settings. This guide covers how to express the idea of a curriculum in various situations.
Referring to the overall plan of study at a school or for a particular course.
The most common and versatile term. Used in everyday conversation about school subjects, course content, and educational programs.
この学校のカリキュラムはとても充実している。
This school's curriculum is very comprehensive.
新しいカリキュラムが来年から導入される。
A new curriculum will be introduced from next year.
A formal term used in official documents, educational policy, and academic contexts. Refers to the entire educational program of a school or system.
教育課程の編成は各学校に任されている。
The organization of the curriculum is left to each school.
Specifically refers to the courses a student must take to complete a program. Used in university settings.
履修課程を確認してから科目を登録してください。
Please check the curriculum before registering for courses.
Referring to a document summarizing one's education and work experience.
The standard Japanese résumé form, often a specific template purchased at convenience stores. Used for job applications.
履歴書を送ってください。
Please send your résumé.
A detailed work history document, often submitted alongside a 履歴書. Closer to a Western CV in detail.
職務経歴書には具体的な業務内容を書きます。
In the CV, you write specific job duties.
Used in academic or international contexts. Not as common as 履歴書 for general job hunting.
大学にCVを提出する必要がある。
You need to submit a CV to the university.
Referring to the informal lessons learned through school culture or activities.
Direct translation of 'hidden curriculum', used in educational sociology. Refers to unwritten social norms learned at school.
学校には隠れたカリキュラムが存在する。
There is a hidden curriculum in schools.
Refers to extracurricular activities, which are a major part of the informal curriculum in Japanese schools.
課外活動を通じて多くのことを学んだ。
I learned a lot through extracurricular activities.
カリキュラム is the everyday word for curriculum, used by students and teachers alike. 教育課程 is a bureaucratic term found in official guidelines and academic papers. In casual conversation, カリキュラム is always safe.
カリキュラムが多すぎて大変だ。
The curriculum is too heavy, it's tough.
教育課程の基準が改訂された。
The curriculum standards have been revised.
Although 'curriculum vitae' contains 'curriculum', カリキュラム never means a résumé in Japanese. Use 履歴書 or 職務経歴書 instead.