Translation guide
The act of being forced to leave school permanently as a disciplinary measure. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 退学 (taigaku) or the verb 退学になる (taigaku ni naru).
彼は退学になった。
He was expelled from school.
退学は重い処分です。
Expulsion is a serious punishment.
To refer to the formal removal of a student from school due to misconduct or rule violation.
The standard noun meaning 'expulsion from school'. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
彼はカンニングで退学になった。
He was expelled for cheating.
退学処分を受けた。
I received an expulsion punishment.
The most common verb phrase meaning 'to be expelled'. Literally 'to become expulsion'.
暴力事件で退学になった。
He was expelled for a violent incident.
Causative form meaning 'to expel (someone)'. Used when the school is the subject.
学校は彼を退学させた。
The school expelled him.
A formal, somewhat dated term for expulsion from school. Often used in official documents or historical contexts.
放校処分となった。
He was subjected to expulsion.
To distinguish between being forced to leave (expulsion) and leaving by one's own choice (withdrawal).
退学 can sometimes be ambiguous, as it can also mean 'leaving school' (including voluntary withdrawal). To clarify forced expulsion, use 退学処分 (expulsion punishment) or context. 自主退学 means 'voluntary withdrawal'.
退学処分と自主退学は違います。
Expulsion and voluntary withdrawal are different.
停学 (ていがく) means 'suspension' (temporary removal), not permanent expulsion. Make sure to use 退学 for permanent expulsion.