Graduating from school is a significant achievement that deserves recognition and celebration. If you have a friend, family member, or colleague who has recently graduated, congratulating them in their native language can show your support and appreciation for their hard work. In Japanese, there are various ways to express congratulations on graduating, depending on the formality of the situation. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say congratulations in Japanese, while providing helpful tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Expressions
When using formal expressions, it is crucial to keep in mind the level of politeness and respect you want to convey. Here are some formal ways to say congratulations on graduating in Japanese:
- おめでとうございます！ (Omedetō gozaimasu!) – This is the most standard and respectful way to say congratulations on graduating. It can be used in almost any formal situation.
- ご卒業おめでとうございます。 (Gosotsugyō omedetō gozaimasu.) – This phrase specifically mentions the graduation and is perfect for formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies or official letters.
- 卒業おめでとうございます。 (Sotsugyō omedetō gozaimasu.) – This expression focuses solely on congratulating someone on their graduation and is commonly used in speeches or formal gatherings.
- おめでとうございます、ご卒業ですね。 (Omedetō gozaimasu, gosotsugyō desu ne.) – This phrase combines regular congratulations with acknowledging the achievement of graduation, making it more personalized and thoughtful.
Informal Expressions
When the situation is more relaxed and you want to congratulate a close friend, family member, or someone of equal or lower status, you can use informal expressions. Here are some examples:
- おめでとう！ (Omedetō!) – This is the informal version of “congratulations.” It is commonly used among friends and peers.
- 卒業おめでとう！ (Sotsugyō omedetō!) – This phrase specifically mentions graduation and is suitable for informal conversations or messages to friends or family members.
- 卒業、お疲れ様！ (Sotsugyō, otsukaresama!) – This expression combines congratulations on graduation with acknowledging the effort and hard work put into achieving it.
- 卒業したんだね！おめでとう！ (Sotsugyō shita nda ne! Omedetō!) – This phrase is more conversational and enthusiastic, expressing excitement and joy for the graduate’s accomplishment.
Tips and Regional Variations
It’s important to note that Japanese expressions can vary slightly based on regional dialects and nuances. Here are a few additional tips and regional variations:
- Kansai Dialect: In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use the phrase “otsu-dehan” instead of “otsukaresama” to convey congratulations and acknowledge the graduate’s hard work.
- Familiar Names: When congratulating a close friend or family member, it is common to add their name before or after the expression. For example, “Tarō-kun, omedetō!” or “Omedetō, Hanako-chan!“
- Combining Formality: If you want to strike a balance between formal and informal, you can use a formal phrase followed by a more casual expression. For instance, “Gosotsugyō omedetō gozaimasu! Tanjōbi ni issho ni ikimashō ka?” This means “Congratulations on your graduation! Shall we go out together to celebrate?”
The most significant aspect of congratulating someone on their graduation in Japanese is your sincerity. Regardless of the words you choose, expressing genuine happiness for the graduate’s achievement will always be appreciated.
Remember to adapt these phrases according to the context of your relationship with the graduate and the formality of the situation. The examples provided should give you a good starting point to express your congratulations in Japanese. Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and your thoughtful words of praise will surely make the occasion even more special for the graduate.
