卒業
sotsugyō[so̞t͡sɨɡʲo̞ː]
卒業 (sotsugyō) is the Japanese word for graduation.
卒業 refers to the act of graduating. If you want to specifically refer to the graduation ceremony, use 卒業式.
Meaning: a commencement ceremony (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 卒業 refers to the concept or act of graduation, 卒業式 (sotsugyōshiki) is used when you are talking specifically about the graduation ceremony itself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When congratulating someone, you can use the polite form ご卒業 by adding the honorific prefix ご (go) to show respect. For a more casual and friendly tone, you can say 卒業おめでとう.
How do you pronounce it?
sotsugyō
When do people say it?
In Japan, graduation ceremonies are formal events. Students typically wear formal attire, such as suits or specific school uniforms, to these ceremonies.
Did you know?
- Because 卒業式 is so formal, it is common to see students crying openly and intensely, which is more socially acceptable during this ceremony than in other formal Japanese settings.
- In Japan, the school year begins in April, meaning 卒業式 usually takes place in March. This differs from the English-speaking world where graduation typically happens in May or June.
- The term 卒業 is often used metaphorically in Japanese pop culture to describe 'graduating' from a fandom or leaving a specific idol group.
Examples in context
- 卒業式何着て行く？What are you wearing to graduation?This sentence shows how to ask about clothing for 卒業.Tatoeba #5006900 by tommy_san, translation #5006918 by CK
- 卒業式が楽しみです。I'm looking forward to the graduation ceremony.This sentence expresses excitement for the ceremony involving 卒業.Tatoeba #11574652 by small_snow, translation #11576593 by CK
- ご卒業おめでとうございます。I want to congratulate you on your graduation.This sentence uses the polite form of 卒業 to offer congratulations.Tatoeba #217084 by small_snow, translation #54391 by CK
- おめでとうございます！卒業おめでとう！Congratulations! Congratulations on your graduation!
- 明日は卒業式です。Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony.
- 卒業おめでとう！どんな計画があるの？Congratulations on your graduation! What are your plans?
- おお、卒業したね！おめでとう！Wow, you graduated! Congratulations!
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their upcoming school ceremony.
- 大翔 Hiroto卒業まであと少しだね。Sotsugyō made ato sukoshi da ne.There is only a little time left until graduation.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。少し寂しいよ。Hontō da ne. Sukoshi sabishii yo.That's true. I feel a little lonely.
- 大翔 Hiroto卒業後の予定は決まった？Sotsugyō go no yotei wa kimatta?Have you decided on your plans after graduation?
- 陽葵 Himariまだ考えているところだよ。Mada kangaete iru tokoro da yo.I am still thinking about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 卒業, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
