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'.
I will graduate from university next year.
The verb form 'to graduate'. Often used with the particle を to mark the institution.
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.
Specifically refers to 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.
I was able to safely reach graduation.
Standard congratulatory phrase for graduation.
Literally 'the day of graduation', often used in emotional or reflective contexts.
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.
She graduated from the idol group.
Pattern for figurative graduation. The object marked by を is the thing or group being left behind.
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.
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.
graduate from university (correct)
graduate from university (incorrect)
Congratulations on your graduation!
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm going to my friend's graduation ceremony.
The graduation ceremony is held in March.
Congrats on graduating from university!
I ended up crying at the graduation ceremony.
Congratulations on your graduation! I look forward to your future success.
I think it's about time I graduate from gaming.