Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Class" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "class", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
クラス
クラス (kurasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
授業
じゅぎょう (jugyō)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "class" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between クラス and 授業.
In Japanese, クラス (クラス (kurasu)) is typically associated with "class (group of students or lesson)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Katakana word from English. Can refer to a group of students or a specific lesson/course. Often used with 「クラスメイト.
On the other hand, 授業 (じゅぎょう (jugyō)) maps to "class, lesson" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a school class or lesson. Often used with verbs like 受ける. A literal translation of "class" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "クラス"
私のクラスは30人です。
My class has 30 people.
Bilingual Context for "授業"
明日の授業は午前9時に始まります。
Tomorrow's class starts at 9 AM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の ＿＿＿ は30人です。" (Meaning: "My class has 30 people.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "クラス" fits here because it means "class (group of students or lesson)" in the context of: "My class has 30 people.". "授業" represents "class, lesson".