Translation guide
The concept of education in Japanese can be expressed through words for the system, the process of being educated, one's academic background, or the act of teaching. The most common and general term is 教育 (きょういく).
Referring to the education system, the field of education, or education in a broad, institutional sense.
The most general and common word for 'education'. Covers schooling, teaching, and the system as a whole.
日本では教育が重視されている。
Education is highly valued in Japan.
教育制度を改革する必要がある。
We need to reform the education system.
Talking about the level of education someone has received, often in formal contexts like resumes.
Refers specifically to one's academic background or educational history. Commonly used on resumes and in formal discussions.
履歴書に学歴を書いてください。
Please write your educational background on your resume.
彼は学歴が高い。
He has a high level of education.
Refers to scholarly learning or academic study. More about the pursuit of knowledge than formal schooling.
Focusing on the act of learning or being taught, often in a specific context.
Again, the general term. Can be used for the process of receiving education.
子供たちは良い教育を受けている。
The children are receiving a good education.
Refers to cultivation, refinement, or a well-rounded education. Often implies cultural and intellectual development beyond formal schooling.
Emphasizing the action of educating someone.
The verb form meaning 'to educate'. Used for both formal and informal teaching.
彼は若者を教育することに情熱を持っている。
He is passionate about educating young people.
The general verb for 'to teach'. More common in everyday speech than 教育する, but can be used for any kind of teaching.
私は英語を教えています。
I teach English.
Specifically referring to the period of mandatory education, like elementary and middle school.
Means 'compulsory education'. Used when talking about the legally required schooling period.
日本では義務教育は9年間です。
In Japan, compulsory education is nine years.
教育 (きょういく) is the broadest term for education as a system or process. 学歴 (がくれき) specifically refers to one's academic record or credentials. 教養 (きょうよう) implies cultural refinement and a well-rounded education, often beyond formal schooling.
When talking about someone's level of education on a resume or in formal contexts, use 学歴 (がくれき), not 教育. Saying 教育が高い is unnatural; use 学歴が高い or 高学歴 (こうがくれき).
彼女は教育を重視している。
She values education.
彼は良い教育を受けている。
He has a good education.
学歴は何ですか？
What is your educational background?
彼は学問に励んでいる。
He is devoted to his studies.
彼女は教養がある人だ。
She is a cultured person.