Translation guide
The English word 'secondary' can mean less important, coming after something else, or related to high school. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that something is of lesser importance, rank, or priority compared to something else.
A common adjective meaning 'secondary' in the sense of being derived from or less important than something primary. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
それは二次的な問題です。
That's a secondary issue.
Means 'secondary' or 'subsidiary', emphasizing that something is an accompanying or incidental effect. Common in formal writing.
副次的な効果も期待できる。
We can also expect secondary effects.
Literally 'second after', this phrase means something is put off or treated as less important. Often used with にする or だ.
今は仕事が優先で、趣味は二の次だ。
Right now work comes first, and hobbies are secondary.
A prefix or suffix meaning 'sub-' or 'secondary'. Used in compounds like 従たる (secondary, subordinate). Mostly literary or legal.
従たる地位
a secondary position
Referring to something that follows the initial or primary thing in order, sequence, or development.
Prefix meaning 'the second' or 'secondary' in a series. Used in terms like 第二次世界大戦 (World War II) or 第二次産業 (secondary industry).
第二次世界大戦
World War II
Prefix meaning 'secondary' or 'second-stage'. Used in technical contexts like 二次感染 (secondary infection) or 二次試験 (second-stage exam).
二次試験の準備をする。
Prepare for the secondary exam.
Means 'a second' or 'another' in the sense of an alternative or subsequent version. Often used metaphorically.
彼は第二の故郷と呼んでいる。
He calls it his second home.
Referring to the level of education between elementary and tertiary, typically ages 12-18.
Prefix meaning 'secondary' in educational contexts. Used in 中等教育 (secondary education) or 中等学校 (secondary school).
中等教育の改革
reform of secondary education
Abbreviation of 高等学校 (high school). The most common term for upper secondary school in Japan (grades 10-12).
二次的 emphasizes a hierarchical or sequential relationship (primary → secondary), while 副次的 emphasizes something being incidental or accompanying. 副次的 is often used for unintended side effects.
主目的は利益だが、副次的な社会貢献もある。
The main goal is profit, but there is also a secondary social contribution.
The katakana word セカンダリー is understood but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use the Japanese terms above instead.
高校の時に留学した。
I studied abroad when I was in high school.
Junior high school (grades 7-9). In Japan, this is part of compulsory education and considered lower secondary.
中学校の先生になりたい。
I want to become a junior high school teacher.