Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'alumnus' is expressed through several terms that vary by gender, formality, and context. The most common and neutral term is 卒業生, which covers all graduates. More specific terms like 同窓生 and 校友 emphasize the community or school connection, while OB and OG are casual, gender-specific abbreviations often used in clubs or companies. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on the situation.
To refer to a person who has graduated from a school, university, or program, without specifying gender or formality.
The most standard and neutral term for 'graduate' or 'alumnus'. It can be used for any gender and in most contexts, from formal to casual.
He is an alumnus of the University of Tokyo.
Literally 'person from (a school)', this is often used in phrases like '〇〇大学出身者' to mean 'alumnus of XX university'. It emphasizes the school as one's origin.
To refer to someone who graduated from the same school, often in the context of alumni networks or reunions.
To refer to a male former member of a group, such as a sports team, club, or company, in a casual or insider context.
Abbreviation of 'old boy'. Used for male alumni, especially in school clubs, sports teams, or companies. Very common in casual conversation among members. Note: It is not used for general university alumni in formal contexts.
Avoid using OB for female alumni or in formal academic settings. For female alumni, use OG.
To refer to a female former member of a group, such as a sports team, club, or company, in a casual or insider context.
Abbreviation of 'old girl'. Used for female alumni, especially in school clubs, sports teams, or companies. The female counterpart to OB.
Avoid using OG for male alumni. In formal contexts, use 卒業生 instead.
To refer to a former student of a particular teacher or school, often with a sense of nostalgia or respect.
OB/OG are casual terms used mainly within specific groups like school clubs or companies. 卒業生 is the standard, neutral term for any graduate. Use 卒業生 in formal writing or when speaking to people outside the group.
He is a University of Tokyo graduate. (neutral)
She is an alumna of our university.
Graduates of this school are active all over the world.
彼女はハーバード大学出身者です。
She is a Harvard alumna.
Means 'fellow alumnus' or 'alumna', specifically someone from the same school. Commonly used for alumni associations (同窓会).
He is a fellow alumnus from my high school.
I met fellow alumni for the first time in a while at the reunion.
A somewhat formal or literary term for 'schoolmate' or 'alumnus', often used in university mottos or alumni association names (校友会). Less common in everyday speech.
I attended a gathering of the alumni association.
He is an alumnus of the soccer club.
I did an informational interview with an alumnus of the company.
She is an alumna of the basketball club.
Means 'former student' from the perspective of a teacher. It implies a personal connection and is often used affectionately.
The teacher was pleased with the success of his former student.
A formal term for a disciple or pupil, often used in academic, artistic, or martial arts contexts. It emphasizes the master-student relationship.
He was a pupil of a famous painter.
彼はテニス部のOBです。
He is an alumnus of the tennis club. (casual, insider)
The English word 'alumnus' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using アルムナス (arumunasu) is not understood. Always choose a context-appropriate term from the options above.
The alumni association is hosting a reunion.
同窓会 can mean both 'alumni association' and 'alumni reunion' depending on context.