neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 卒業 in various educational contexts, such as during graduation ceremonies or when discussing their academic achievements. It's common to hear this term during the end of school years, especially when students celebrate completing their high school or university education.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 修了 (しゅうりょう, shūryō), which also means 'completion' but is specifically used in the context of finishing a course of study or program. You would choose 卒業 when referring to graduation from an institution, while 修了 is more suitable for completing a specific academic curriculum.
Culture
The term 卒業 is derived from the Chinese characters that mean 'to graduate' or 'to complete.' In Japan, graduation ceremonies are significant cultural events, often marked by emotional speeches and the wearing of traditional attire, like the hakama. This word embodies not just academic achievement but also the transition into adulthood and the start of new life chapters.
FAQ
Q.What does 卒業 mean in English?
卒業 means 'graduate' in English, referring to the act of completing an educational program or school level.
Q.How do you use 卒業 in a sentence?
You can say 卒業した (そつぎょうした, sotsugyō shita) to mean 'I graduated.' For example, 私は大学を卒業しました (わたしはだいがくをそつぎょうしました), meaning 'I graduated from university.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 卒業?
One common mistake is confusing 卒業 with 入学 (にゅうがく, nyūgaku), which means 'to enroll' or 'enter.' Make sure to use 卒業 when referring to the act of graduating.