Lesson 2 Classroom Expression

Classroom usually involves teacher-student environment. In this section, I have gathered many common Japanese phrases that teachers used in the classroom frequently. Take some effort to remember them and I am sure you will find them useful. You don't have to know these common Japanese phrases all at once. Just take it slowly so you can memorise it well. Unless, if you are planning to study in Japan, you really need to memorise it now.

Starting and Ending Class

When starting class in a Japanese classroom (up through high school), every student stands up and bows to show respect to the teacher. When the bell rings, a predesignated student will lead the process with the following instructions. The teacher will generally bow too and then begin class. When the bell rings to end class, the ritual repeats.

	Kana	Romaji	Meaning
1.	きりつ	Kiritsu	Stand up
2.	きをつけ	Ki o tsuke	Attention
3.	れい	Rei	Bow
4.	ちゃくせき	Chakuseki	Sit down

But, if you are taking a college Japanese course, you may never encounter these expressions at all. Why? Because they aren’t used in college in Japan either – there’s less of a perceived need for imposing order in a college classroom.

Common Expression For Student

Kana	Romaji	Meaning
トイレに いっても いいですか。	Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka?	Can I go to the bathroom?
みずを のんでも いいですか。	Mizu o nonde mo ii desu ka?	Can I drink water?
はい、 いいです。	Hai, ii desu.	Yes, that’s fine.
いいえ、 だめです。	Iie, dame desu.	No, that’s not OK.

Finally, here’s one expression that you will hopefully hear a lot.

• よくできました。(Yoku dekimashita.) Good job (lit. “you could do it well”)