Translation guide
A diploma is an official document certifying completion of a course of study, typically from a school or university. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 卒業証書, but other terms exist depending on context.
The physical certificate awarded upon graduation from an educational institution.
The standard term for a diploma received upon graduation from any school level (elementary through university).
卒業証書を受け取った。
I received my diploma.
卒業証書は額に入れて飾ってあります。
My diploma is framed and displayed.
Specifically refers to a diploma for a university degree (bachelor's, master's, doctorate). More formal than 卒業証書.
大学の学位記を授与された。
I was awarded my university diploma.
A certificate of graduation, often used as an official document proving graduation rather than the ceremonial diploma. Sometimes issued separately.
就職のために卒業証明書が必要です。
I need a certificate of graduation for my job application.
A document certifying completion of a course, training program, or specialized study, not necessarily a full degree.
Used for certificates of completion for courses, training programs, or vocational schools. Not typically used for standard school graduation.
日本語学校の修了証書をもらいました。
I received a diploma from the Japanese language school.
この講座を修了すると修了証書が発行されます。
Upon completing this course, a certificate of completion will be issued.
A shorter, slightly less formal version of 修了証書, commonly used for workshops or short courses.
セミナーの修了証をいただきました。
I received a certificate of completion for the seminar.
Specifically the diploma awarded upon completing high school, often referenced in job or college applications.
The standard way to say 'high school diploma' in Japanese. 高校 means high school.
高校の卒業証書は就職に必要ですか？
Is a high school diploma necessary for employment?
The full formal name for a high school diploma, used on official documents.
高等学校卒業証書を提出してください。
Please submit your high school diploma.
Referring to the diploma as a credential or qualification, not the physical document.
Refers to one's academic background or educational qualifications. Often used when discussing the level of education attained.
彼は高卒の学歴しかない。
He only has a high school diploma.
学歴は採用に影響しますか？
Does your educational background affect hiring?
Literally 'graduation qualification', used when emphasizing the credential aspect.
この学校では卒業資格を得るのが難しい。
It's difficult to earn a diploma from this school.
In English, 'diploma' can sometimes refer to a degree certificate, but in Japanese, 学位 (がくい) specifically means an academic degree (bachelor's, master's, etc.). Use 学位記 for the diploma that proves a degree, but 学位 itself is the degree, not the paper.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply say 卒業した (graduated) rather than explicitly mentioning the diploma. For example, 'I have a diploma in engineering' could be expressed as 工学を卒業しました (I graduated in engineering).