What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the honorific prefix go, the noun sotsugyō (graduation) and the polite expression omedetō gozaimasu (congratulations).
Which one should you use?
While ご卒業おめでとうございます is the standard polite form, 卒業おめでとうございます is also used in formal settings such as speeches or formal gatherings. For casual settings, you might use 卒業おめでとう！ with friends or family or even 卒業、お疲れ様！ which combines congratulations with an acknowledgment of the graduate's effort. For an enthusiastic, conversational tone, 卒業したんだね！おめでとう！ can be used to express joy for the accomplishment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ご卒業おめでとうございます is the standard polite way to address teachers, elders or superiors. 卒業おめでとうございます is also used for formal occasions and speeches. In contrast, 卒業おめでとう！ and 卒業、お疲れ様！ are informal and suitable for conversations with friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
go-sotsugyō omedetō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- While omedetō means 'congratulations', Japanese people often pair it with otsukaresama, which literally means 'you are tired'. This acknowledges that the degree was won through hard work and endurance.
- The word 卒業 (sotsugyō) literally translates to 'leaving the class' or 'leaving the discipline', emphasizing the act of departing from a structured group.
- In Japan, graduation is a symbol of a fresh start because the ceremonies in March lead directly into the start of the new school and business year in April.
Examples in context
- ご卒業おめでとうございます。Go-sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu.Congratulations on graduating.
- 大学のご卒業おめでとうございます！Daigaku no go-sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu!Congratulations on graduating from university!
Example conversation
Misaki greets Kenta at his graduation ceremony.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、ご卒業おめでとうございます！Kenta-san, go-sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu!Kenta, congratulations on graduating!
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、ありがとうございます。Misaki-san, arigatou gozaimasu.Misaki, thank you very much.
- 美咲 Misakiこれからの活躍も応援しています。Kore kara no katsuyaku mo ouen shiteimasu.I am rooting for your future success.
- 健太 Kentaとても嬉しいです。Totemo ureshii desu.I am very happy.
