Translation guide
The act of completing a course of study, typically at a school or university. In Japanese, the most common word is 卒業 (そつぎょう), but the way you talk about graduation depends on context, formality, and whether you are referring to the event, the status, or the action.
Referring to the completion of a course of study at an educational institution.
I'm graduating next spring. · She attended her son's graduation. · After graduation, I plan to work in Tokyo.
The standard noun for graduation. Used for all levels of education. Can be used as a suru-verb (卒業する) to mean 'to graduate'.
来年、大学を卒業します。
I will graduate from university next year.
卒業式は3月に行われます。
The graduation ceremony is held in March.
The verb form 'to graduate'. Often used with the particle を to mark the institution.
彼は高校を卒業したばかりです。
He just graduated from high school.
Abbreviation of 卒業, often used in compounds or casual contexts, like on social media or in conversation among young people.
大学卒おめでとう！
Congrats on graduating from university!
Specifically refers to the graduation ceremony.
卒業式で泣いてしまった。
I ended up crying at the graduation ceremony.
Talking about graduation in a broader sense, such as a personal achievement or a time of transition.
A common phrase meaning 'to reach graduation' or 'to celebrate one's graduation'. It emphasizes the milestone.
無事に卒業を迎えることができました。
I was able to safely reach graduation.
Standard congratulatory phrase for graduation.
卒業おめでとう！これからの活躍を期待しています。
Congratulations on your graduation! I look forward to your future success.
Literally 'the day of graduation', often used in emotional or reflective contexts.
卒業の日は一生忘れません。
I will never forget the day of my graduation.
Using 'graduation' metaphorically to mean leaving behind a stage of life, a group, or a habit. Common in Japanese pop culture, especially regarding idols leaving a group.
Used figuratively in the same way as English. Often used when an idol leaves a group, or when someone quits a hobby or phase of life.
彼女はアイドルグループを卒業した。
She graduated from the idol group.
そろそろゲームを卒業しようと思う。
I think it's about time I graduate from gaming.
Pattern for figurative graduation. The object marked by を is the thing or group being left behind.
夜更かし生活を卒業したい。
I want to graduate from my late-night lifestyle.
入学 means 'entrance' or 'admission' to a school, the opposite of graduation. Be careful not to mix them up.
入学式は4月です。
The entrance ceremony is in April.
When saying 'graduate from X', use Xを卒業する. The particle から is not used with 卒業する in standard Japanese.
大学を卒業する (○)
graduate from university (correct)
大学から卒業する (✕)
graduate from university (incorrect)
卒業おめでとうございます！
Congratulations on your graduation!
卒業後の予定は何ですか？
What are your plans after graduation?
友達の卒業式に行きます。
I'm going to my friend's graduation ceremony.