What does 학교 mean?

학교 (hak-gyo, hakgyo)

학교 (hakgyo) means a place where students study and learn. It's a basic noun used in everyday and formal contexts.

Illustration of a school building with students

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

학교(hak-gyo, hakgyo)

학교 refers to a place where students receive education, including elementary, middle, high schools, and universities.

Nuances

  • 학교 means not just the building but the whole educational institution.
  • ‘학교에 가다’ means going to school, indicating a student's routine.
  • ‘학교 생활’ includes studying, friendships, and school events.

When to use

daily conversation, school life, education-related talks

In context

학교 is a noun used as subject, object, or adverbial phrase with particles. It appears naturally in everyday speech and formal writing.

Real-world examples

  • 나는 매일 아침 8시에 학교에 간다.

    na-neun mae-il a-chim 8si-e hak-gyo-e gan-da., na neun mae il a chim 8si e hak gyo e gan da.

    ‘학교에 간다’ is a natural and correct expression.

  • 학교는 공부하는 곳이다.

    hak-gyo-neun gong-bu-ha-neun gos-i-da., hak gyo neun gong bu ha neun gos i da.

    This sentence correctly expresses the basic meaning of 학교.

  • 나는 학교에서 친구를 만난다.

    na-neun hak-gyo-e-seo chin-gu-reul man-nan-da., na neun hak gyo e seo chin gu reul man nan da.

    ‘학교에서’ correctly indicates the place of action.

  • 학교를 좋아하다 나는.

    hak-gyo-reul joh-a-ha-da na-neun., hak gyo reul joh a ha da na neun.

    The word order is unnatural in Korean.

  • 학교는 공부하는 곳이 아니다.

    hak-gyo-neun gong-bu-ha-neun gos-i a-ni-da., hak gyo neun gong bu ha neun gos i a ni da.

    A correct sentence negating the meaning of 학교.

Quick quiz

  1. What does ‘학교’ mean?

    ‘학교’의 뜻은 무엇인가요?(‘hak-gyo’uitteus-eunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, ‘hakgyo’uitteuseunmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence is correct?

    다음 중 올바른 문장은?(da-eumjungol-ba-reunmun-jang-eun?, daeumjungolbareunmunjangeun?)
  3. What is NOT included in ‘학교 생활’ (school life)?

    ‘학교 생활’이 포함하지 않는 것은?(‘hak-gyosaeng-hwal’ipo-ham-ha-jian-neungeos-eun?, ‘hakgyosaenghwal’ipohamhajianneungeoseun?)

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