This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

苦学生

Reading

Kana: くがくせい
Romaji: kugakusei
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

working (self-supporting) student

Kanji

Readings: ク、 くる.しい、 -ぐる.しい、 くる.しむ、 くる.しめる、 にが.い、 にが.る
Meanings: suffering, trial, worry, hardship, feel bitter, scowl
Readings: ガク、 まな.ぶ
Meanings: study, learning, science
Readings: セイ、 ショウ、 い.きる、 い.かす、 い.ける、 う.まれる、 うま.れる、 う.まれ、 うまれ、 う.む、 お.う、 は.える、 は.やす、 き、 なま、 なま-、 な.る、 な.す、 む.す、 -う
Meanings: life, genuine, birth

Example Sentences

あおいは、苦学生(くがくせい)だから、そんな高級(こうきゅう)なもの、()てないです。
➥I'm putting myself through school, so I can't have things that are that expensive.
Full Entry➤
バイトで学費(がくひ)(かせ)ぎながら大学(だいがく)(かよ)ってる。まあ苦学(くがく)()ってとこかな。
➥I pay my university fees to go to university by part-time work. Well, I'm a 'working student' I suppose.
Full Entry➤
Find More