kindy
noun · casual
Kindergarten or preschool.
How Aussies use it
- My daughter starts kindy next year.
- I drop the kids at kindy at eight.
How to pronounce ‘kindy’
Say it like this: KIN-dee
‘kindy’ in a conversation
Mum: How was kindy today?
Ollie: Fun! We painted pictures and played outside.
Good to know
What 'kindy' means depends on the state. In most states it's the year or two before school starts, but in New South Wales and the ACT, kindergarten is the first year of primary school. In Victoria people usually say 'kinder'.
Where you'll hear ‘kindy’
You'll hear 'kindy' from parents, grandparents and teachers, at school gates and in local community groups. In Victoria you'll mostly hear 'kinder', and in New South Wales 'kindy' can mean the first year of school.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone asks 'Is your child at kindy yet?', they're asking about early learning before (or at the start of) school. If you're not sure what it means in your state, you can ask 'Is that before school starts?'
More examples
- The kindy has a big sandpit and a veggie garden.
- We met lots of other parents at kindy pick-up.
- Our son made a card for us at kindy.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
Check what it means in your state. The age for kindy is different in different parts of Australia.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use kindergarten / preschool instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
My little girl loves her teacher at ___.
Show the answer
kindy
Quick check
What does ‘kindy’ mean?
- Relatives, family members.
- I'll pay for this round of drinks or food.
- Kindergarten or preschool.
Show the answer
C. Kindergarten or preschool.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'kindy' mean in Australia?
Kindergarten or preschool. What 'kindy' means depends on the state. In most states it's the year or two before school starts, but in New South Wales and the ACT, kindergarten is the first year of primary school. In Victoria people usually say 'kinder'.
Can I say 'kindy' at work?
Yes. 'kindy' is fine in most workplaces, in conversation and casual messages. In formal emails, reports and English tests, use more standard English.
How do you pronounce 'kindy'?
Say it like this: KIN-dee. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'kindy'?
You'll hear 'kindy' from parents, grandparents and teachers, at school gates and in local community groups. In Victoria you'll mostly hear 'kinder', and in New South Wales 'kindy' can mean the first year of school.