Translation and Meaning of: 遠足 - ensoku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 遠足 (えんそく, ensoku). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this word in everyday Japanese, as well as tips to memorize it easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

The meaning of 遠足 (えんそく)

遠足, read as えんそく (ensoku), is a Japanese word that means "school trip" or "excursion." It is often associated with outdoor activities organized by schools, where students visit parks, museums, or other educational sites. Unlike a simple outing, the term carries the idea of a collective and planned experience, usually with an educational or recreational purpose.

It's worth noting that 遠足 is not limited to children. Although it is more common in the school context, the word can also be used to describe group excursions, such as company or club trips. However, its most frequent use is indeed related to the educational environment, especially in elementary and high school.

The origin and writing of 遠足

The word 遠足 is composed of two kanji: 遠 (en), which means "distant" or "far," and 足 (soku), which can mean "foot" or "step." Together, they convey the idea of "walking far" or "traveling on foot," which makes perfect sense when we think about school excursions, where students often walk a lot during the trip.

Although the term is old, its use remains strong in contemporary Japan. Unlike some words that fall out of use, 遠足 continues to be widely employed, especially in school announcements and academic calendars. If you have ever watched anime or Japanese dramas, you have probably seen scenes where characters prepare for a 遠足, reinforcing its presence in pop culture.

How to memorize 遠足 and use it in daily life

An effective tip for memorizing 遠足 is to associate it with mental images. Think of a group of uniformed children walking in line, carrying lunchboxes — that is the essence of a 遠足. Another strategy is to create flashcards with the kanji and its reading, using examples like 「今日は遠足です」(きょうはえんそくです, "Today is the school trip").

If you want to practice using the word, try incorporating it into simple sentences, such as 「遠足は楽しかった」(えんそくはたのしかった, "The school trip was fun"). This type of contextualization helps to solidify vocabulary in a natural way. And if you are in Japan during the school term, don't be surprised to see posters announcing 遠足 at schools — it's a great opportunity to observe the word in real usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ピクニック (pikunikku) - Outdoor leisure activity, usually involving a snack.
• お出かけ (odekake) - Exit, usually for a walk or a social activity.
• 旅行 (ryokou) - Travel, moving to a different place, usually a longer one.
• 行楽 (kouraku) - Recreational or leisure activities at tourist locations.
• 遠足旅行 (ensoku ryokou) - Field trip or excursion, usually taken in a group and with an educational or recreational purpose.