The Japanese vocabulary「数学 (すうがく、sūgaku)／算数 (さんすう、sansū)」means “math.” Please learn the pronunciation and the example sentences.
Japanese Vocabulary and the Meaning
| Key Word | 算数 | 数学 |
| Hiragana | さんすう | すうがく |
| Romaji Reading | sansū | sūgaku |
| English Meaning | math | math |
Both words mean “math.” However, its usage is slightly different.
算数：It’s used in elementary schools.
数学：It’s used in Junior high schools, high schools, and universities.
The Correct Japanese Pronunciations
Please learn the pronunciation by watching the attached video. You can also learn example sentences.
Our YouTube channel: Ichiyo’s Japanese YouTube Channel
The Example Japanese Sentences
It is important to have skills in both non-honorific and honorific languages in order to use Japanese correctly.
We have two math worksheets for homework today.
Plain form:
今日の宿題は算数のプリント二枚だ。
Kyō no shukudai wa sansū no purinto ni-mai da.
Polite form:
今日の宿題は算数のプリント二枚です。
Kyō no shukudai wa sansū no purinto ni-mai desu.
The subject is 「宿題は」. Therefore, the literal translation is “Today’s homework is two math worksheets.”
I learned division in math class.
Plain form:
算数の授業で割り算を習った。
Sansū no jugyō de warizan o naratta.
Polite form:
算数の授業で割り算を習いました。
Sansū no jugyō de warizan o naraimashita.
I got full marks on the math test.
Plain form:
数学のテストで満点を取った。
Sūgaku no tesuto de manten o totta.
Polite form:
数学のテストで満点を取りました。
Sūgaku no tesuto de manten o torimashita.
I disrupted class and got scolded by my math teacher.
Plain form:
授業を妨害し、数学の先生に怒られた。
Jugyō o bōgai shi, sūgaku no sensei ni okorareta.
Polite form:
授業を妨害し、数学の先生に怒られました。
Jugyō o bōgai shi, sūgaku no sensei ni okoraremashita.
