Translation guide
The act of beginning something, or a formal ceremony marking the start or completion of an academic program.
The act of starting something, such as an event, process, or period.
General term for the start or commencement of something. Used in formal and neutral contexts.
式典の開始は午後2時です。
The commencement of the ceremony is at 2 p.m.
工事の開始が遅れている。
The commencement of construction has been delayed.
The beginning or start of something, often with a nuance of the initial moment. Slightly more casual than 開始.
新学期の始まりだ。
It's the commencement of the new semester.
Formal term for commencing work on a project or task. Often used in business or legal contexts.
プロジェクトに着手する。
To commence work on the project.
A formal event at which degrees or diplomas are conferred, especially at a university.
The standard term for a graduation ceremony, from elementary school through university.
卒業式は3月に行われます。
The commencement ceremony is held in March.
卒業式でスピーチをした。
I gave a speech at commencement.
Literally 'degree conferral ceremony.' More formal and specifically refers to the conferring of degrees, often used for university commencements.
大学の学位授与式に出席した。
I attended the university commencement.
In English, 'commencement' often implies the graduation ceremony and related events. In Japanese, 卒業式 refers strictly to the ceremony. A 'commencement speech' is 卒業式のスピーチ or 告辞 (こうじ), not a direct translation of 'commencement'.