Translation guide
The English word "dropout" can refer to a person who leaves school or society, or the act of leaving. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Referring to someone who quit school before graduating, especially high school or college.
The action of quitting school before completion.
Someone who withdraws from conventional social life, often by choice or due to circumstances.
The English word 'dropout' is often used casually, but directly translating it as ドロップアウト can sound like a sociological term. For everyday talk about quitting school, use 中退 or 学校をやめる.
He is a high school dropout.
A more casual, descriptive way to say 'person who quit school'. Used in everyday conversation.
Even a school dropout can succeed.
Loanword from English, often used in sociological or casual contexts. Can refer to dropping out of society as well.
He is a dropout from society.
Noun meaning 'dropping out' (of school). Often used with する to mean 'to drop out'.
I plan to drop out of university.
General phrase for quitting school. More colloquial than 中退する.
I dropped out of high school and started working.
He is a dropout from the competitive society.
Refers to a person who withdraws from social life, often staying at home. Not a direct translation of 'dropout' but related in meaning.
He has been a shut-in for years.