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What's the difference between 学生 and 生徒？
#1 · August 29, 2026, 6:32 am
学生（がくせい）
A broad term meaning “student”—someone who studies at an educational institution.
- 大学生 = university student
- 高校生 = high school student
- 留学生 = international student
- 学生生活 = student life
It can refer to students at universities, colleges, vocational schools, and sometimes schools more generally.
生徒（せいと）
A more specific term for a student/pupil who is being taught, especially in elementary school through high school, or in a class/lesson.
- 小学生 = elementary school student
- 中学生 = middle school student
- 高校生 = high school student
- 生徒会 = student council
- 生徒たち = the students/pupils
It often emphasizes the relationship between teacher ↔ student.