Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'new graduate' depends heavily on context: are they a fresh university graduate entering the workforce, a recent high school graduate, or simply someone who just finished a degree? The most common and culturally significant term is 新卒 (shinsotsu), which specifically refers to new graduates hired as part of Japan's annual recruitment cycle. Other terms exist for different stages or contexts.
To refer to a person who has just graduated from university (or sometimes high school) and is about to start or has just started their first full-time job, typically as part of the standardized hiring process.
Abbreviation of 新卒業生 (new graduate). This is the standard term in business and HR contexts for a new graduate hire. It implies the person is part of the annual cohort of fresh recruits. Can be used as a noun or with の to modify another noun (e.g., 新卒採用, new graduate recruitment).
彼は新卒で大手企業に入社した。
He joined a major company as a new graduate.
新卒の社員を募集しています。
We are hiring new graduates.
A slightly more formal or explicit version of 新卒, meaning 'new graduate person'. Used in official documents or when clarity is needed.
新卒者向けの研修プログラムがあります。
There is a training program for new graduates.
A compound noun meaning 'joining a company as a new graduate'. Often used to describe one's employment path.
新卒入社して5年になります。
It's been five years since I joined the company as a new graduate.
To describe someone who has recently completed their studies (university, college, etc.) without focusing on the employment aspect.
A straightforward, neutral phrase meaning 'a person who has just graduated'. Suitable for any level of education.
卒業したばかりの人は、まだ仕事を探しています。
The person who just graduated is still looking for a job.
Literally 'new graduate'. This is the full form of 新卒. It can be used in formal contexts but is less common in everyday speech than 新卒 or the phrase above.
新卒業生の皆さん、おめでとうございます。
Congratulations to all the new graduates.
Specifically referring to someone who just finished high school, often entering the workforce or vocational training.
A clear, neutral phrase meaning 'a person who just graduated from high school'.
高校を卒業したばかりの人が、この工場で働いています。
A person who just graduated from high school works at this factory.
Abbreviation for 高等学校卒業 (high school graduate). Often used in job postings or to describe educational background. Can imply a new graduate in context, but not exclusively.
高卒の新入社員を募集しています。
We are hiring new employees who are high school graduates.
To refer to someone who has just completed a university degree, often in an academic or formal setting.
A neutral phrase meaning 'a person who just graduated from university'.
大学を卒業したばかりの人は、大学院に進むか迷っています。
The person who just graduated from university is unsure whether to go to graduate school.
Abbreviation for 大学卒業 (university graduate). Like 高卒, it describes educational attainment and can refer to new graduates in context.
新卒 (shinsotsu) refers to fresh graduates hired straight out of school. 第二新卒 (daini shinsotsu) refers to people who graduated within the last few years and have some work experience but are still considered early-career candidates. This distinction is important in the Japanese job market.
第二新卒として転職活動をしています。
I'm job hunting as a 'second new graduate' (early-career changer).
Directly translating 'new graduate' as 新しい卒業生 (atarashii sotsugyousei) is unnatural. Use the context-appropriate terms above.
大卒の初任給はいくらですか？
What is the starting salary for university graduates?