Graduation is a significant milestone in one’s life, marking the completion of an educational journey and the beginning of a new chapter. If you’re looking for ways to express congratulations or simply want to learn how to say “graduation” in Chinese, this guide has got you covered. In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “graduation” in Chinese, focusing on Mainland Chinese Mandarin. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Graduation in Chinese
When it comes to formal settings, such as official ceremonies or academic contexts, it is important to use appropriate and respectful language to convey the significance of the occasion. Here are a few formal ways to say “graduation” in Chinese:
- 毕业 (bì yè) – This is the most common and standard term for “graduation” in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to the completion of a course of study or the act of graduating from an educational institution. It can be used for both high school and university graduation.
- 结业 (jié yè) – This term specifically refers to the completion of a course or program, often in an educational or training setting. It is commonly used for vocational or specialized training programs.
- 毕业典礼 (bì yè diǎn lǐ) – Literally meaning “graduation ceremony,” this term is used to describe the formal ceremony conducted to commemorate the completion of a course of study or the graduation of students from an institution.
Tips: When referring to graduation in a formal context, it is crucial to use polite speech forms and honorifics to show respect. This includes addressing the graduates’ names with appropriate titles and using respectful language when congratulating them.
Informal Ways to Say Graduation in Chinese
In informal situations, such as when chatting with friends or family, you may opt to use more casual and colloquial expressions to say “graduation.” These informal terms are widely used in everyday conversations:
- 毕了 (bì le) – This expression is an abbreviated form of “毕业了” (bì yè le), which means “graduated.” It is commonly used among peers to refer to the completion of studies or the act of getting a diploma.
- 大学毕业 (dà xué bì yè) – This phrase specifically refers to university graduation. It combines “大学” (dà xué), meaning “university,” with “毕业” (bì yè) to convey the completion of a university degree.
- 拿到学位 (ná dào xué wèi) – This informal phrase translates to “to obtain a degree.” It is commonly used to express the achievement of receiving a diploma or degree after completing a course of study.
Regional Variations
While Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Mainland China and Taiwan, various regional dialects and languages are spoken throughout China. Here are a few regional variations for “graduation” in Chinese:
In Cantonese (spoken in Southern China and Hong Kong):
- 畢業 (bāt gwok) – Cantonese equivalent of “graduation.”
In Hokkien (spoken in Southern Fujian and Southeast Asia):
- 畢業 (pit giap) – Hokkien equivalent of “graduation.”
Tips: While it’s fascinating to explore regional variations, it’s important to note that Mandarin Chinese is the most widely understood and commonly used form of communication throughout China.
Examples and Conversational Phrases
Now that we’ve covered various formal and informal ways to say “graduation” in Chinese, let’s take a look at some examples and conversational phrases you can use to congratulate someone on their graduation:
- 恭喜你顺利毕业！(Gōng xǐ nǐ shùn lì bì yè!) – Congratulations on graduating successfully!
- 祝贺你的优异成绩和顺利毕业！(Zhù hè nǐ de yōu yì chéng jì hé shùn lì bì yè!) – Congratulations on your outstanding achievements and successful graduation!
- 祝你前程似锦，毕业快乐！(Zhù nǐ qián chéng sì jǐn, bì yè kuài lè!) – Wishing you a bright future and a happy graduation!
Tips: When congratulating someone on their graduation, it is customary to offer well wishes and express confidence in their future endeavors. Feel free to personalize your message and add words of encouragement!
In conclusion, from the formal “毕业 (bì yè)” to the more casual “毕了 (bì le),” there are several ways to say “graduation” in Chinese, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. Remember to use appropriate language based on the formality of the setting and always tailor your message to suit the individual’s achievements and aspirations. Congratulations to all the graduates out there, and best wishes for your future endeavours!
