Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 卒業証書 | sotsugyō shōsho | [so̞t͡sɨɡʲo̞ː ɕo̞ːɕo̞] (narrow) |
| ディプロマ | dipuroma | |
| 学位記 | gakuiki | |
| 修了証 | shūryōshō |
The term 卒業証書 is a common formal way to refer to a diploma received upon graduation from an academic institution. In specific academic or international contexts, the loanword ディプロマ is also used, often referring to specialized or international programs.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 卒業証書 is composed of 卒業, meaning graduation and 証書, meaning certificate.
Which one should you use?
While 卒業証書 is a general term for graduation certificates used in schools, 学位記 is specifically used to refer to a degree certificate for university degrees. If you are referring to a certificate of completion for a specific course or program rather than graduating from a formal school level, use 修了証.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
卒業証書 is a common formal term. ディプロマ is a loanword used in academic or international contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
sotsugyō shōsho
Did you know?
- In many formal Japanese ceremonies, the act of receiving the 卒業証書 is a highly ritualized moment where students must bow or maintain specific posture to show respect to the institution.
- The kanji in 証書 (shōsho) are often used in legal contexts, meaning that a diploma is linguistically treated as a formal 'documentary evidence' rather than just a commemorative paper.
- The word 卒業 (sotsugyō) literally translates to 'finishing and leaving', where the first kanji means 'finish' and the second means 'to leave'.
Examples in context
- 校長は卒業生ひとりひとりに卒業証書を授与した。The principal presented each of the graduates with diploma.This sentence is useful for seeing how the principal presented the 卒業証書 to the graduates.Tatoeba #173567 by tommy__san, translation #240903 by CK
- 彼は大学を卒業し、立派な卒業証書を手に入れました。He graduated from university and obtained an impressive diploma.
- 卒業証明書を見せてくれた！They showed me their graduation certificate (diploma)!
- 卒業証書を大切に保管しています。Sotsugyō shōsho o taisetsu ni hokan shite imasu.I am keeping my diploma safely.
- 彼女は卒業証書を受け取って泣いた。Kanojo wa sotsugyō shōsho o uketotte naita.She received her diploma and cried.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their graduation ceremony.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、卒業証書はもうもらった？Himarī, sotsugyō shōsho wa mō moratta?Himari, did you get your diploma yet?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、さっき受け取ったよ。Un, sakki uketotta yo.Yes, I just received it.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいな。僕も早く欲しいな。Ii na. Boku mo hayaku hoshii na.Lucky. I want mine soon too.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔ならもうすぐ順番だよ。Hiroto nara mō sugu junban dayo.It'll be your turn soon, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diploma” translations and entries 卒業証書, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 卒業証書, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
