children's school

Kindergarten

Master the Japanese you need for Kindergarten in natural keigo. Scene-by-scene flow · NG examples · politeness levels · 9-language parallel translations

Synergia Editorial Team2026-05-01

This page helps foreign residents and long-term visitors handle "Kindergarten" with daily Japanese phrases for living in Japan, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

What this page helps you say in Japan

This page focuses on Kindergarten and teaches useful Japanese phrases for daily life in Japan, including natural replies, polite alternatives, and practical wording for foreigners living in Japan.

What You'll Learn on This Page

Greetings when dropping off in the morning
Basic sentence examples for a contact book
Communication of physical condition and mood
Change of pick-up time
Questions about garden events and visits

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

おはようございます。今日もよろしくお願いします

おはようございます。きょうもよろしくおねがいします

Good morning. Thank you for today as well.

POINTA standard thing to say every morning when dropping off your child

昨夜少し咳が出ました。様子を見てください

さくやすこしせきがでました。ようすをみてください

He coughed a little last night. Please keep an eye on him.

POINTAdvance information on physical condition is essential for childcare workers

今日は16時頃にお迎えに来ます

きょうはじゅうろくじごろにおむかえにきます

I'll pick her up around 4 PM today.

POINTBe sure to contact us if anything is different from usual.

本日、仕事の都合でお迎えが遅れそうです

ほんじつ、しごとのつごうでおむかえがおくれそうです

I may be late for pickup due to work.

POINTCheck whether extended childcare is available

お昼ご飯を残しがちですが、家ではよく食べます

おひるごはんをのこしがちですが、いえではよくたべます

He often doesn't finish lunch but eats well at home.

POINTIt would be helpful to share what is going on at home.

おむつが外れそうなので、トイレトレーニングお願いします

おむつがはずれそうなので、といれとれーにんぐおねがいします

He's close to diaper-free. Please help with toilet training.

POINTToilet training in collaboration with nursery schools is effective

今日の連絡帳を拝見しました。ありがとうございます

きょうのれんらくちょうをはいけんしました。ありがとうございます

I read today's contact book. Thank you.

POINTIn response to the nursery teacher's comment

発表会はいつですか。祖父母も参加できますか

はっぴょうかいはいつですか。そふぼもさんかできますか

When is the recital? Can grandparents attend?

POINTConfirm in advance whether your family can participate.

友達を噛んでしまったと聞きました。申し訳ありません

ともだちをかんでしまったとききました。もうしわけありません

I heard he bit a friend. I'm very sorry.

POINTApologize frankly when there is a problem

代理でお迎えに祖母が来ます。よろしくお願いします

だいりでおむかえにそぼがきます。よろしくおねがいします

Grandmother will pick him up. Thank you.

POINTIf you wish to change the pick-up person, please contact us in advance.

Want to practice these phrases out loud?

ECHO app offers native audio and AI pronunciation feedback for real practice.

Practice with ECHO App →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between nursery school and kindergarten

A. Nursery schools are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and cater to dual-income families (7am to 7pm), while kindergartens are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and focus on education (9am to 2pm). Recently, there has been an increase in the number of ``certified childcare centers'' that have both functions.

Q. How much is the childcare fee?

A. Starting in 2019, children aged 3 to 5 are free of charge in principle. For 0-2 year olds, annual household income is around 0-70,000 yen per month. Fees for school lunches, snacks, and supplies will be charged separately.

Q. Can foreigners enroll in nursery school?

A. Yes, you can apply if you are registered as a resident. In municipalities with many children on waiting lists, priority is given to families with a high need for childcare. It is relatively easy to enter a dual income household.

Q. Do I need to write a contact book every day?

A. Many nursery schools require you to fill out forms every day. In kindergarten, once a week or only when necessary. There are certain items to write about, such as body temperature, defecation, sleep, and meals, so fill in the blanks.

Q. Can anyone pick me up?

A. This is only possible for those who have registered with the nursery school in advance. In case of an emergency, some kindergartens allow you to contact us by phone and check your ID. Be sure to contact us in advance.

Kindergarten

What this page helps you say in Japan

What You'll Learn on This Page

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

Want to practice these phrases out loud?

Practice Pronunciation with ECHO

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Pages in This Pack

Childcare/School

Government office/administration