入学おめでとう
nyūgaku omedetō
In Japanese, "welcome to school" is expressed as 入学おめでとう (nyūgaku omedetō) when congratulating a student on starting a new level of education.
While a phrase like Gakkō e yōkoso can be used as a straightforward way to say "welcome to school," the specific phrase 入学おめでとう is used to congratulate someone on the occasion of starting a new level of education, such as entering elementary or high school. It is not used for a general welcome to a physical building, but rather for the milestone of enrollment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built around the noun 入学 (nyūgaku), which refers specifically to the event of school entrance or enrolling in a school.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 入学 (nyūgaku) is used to denote the specific event of entering school.
How do you pronounce it?
nyūgaku omedetō
Did you know?
- Parents often accompany children to the ceremony where 入学おめでとう is said, sometimes tying a 'randoseru' backpack to the child's back for the first time.
- In Japan, the start of the school year occurs in April rather than September. This means you will most frequently hear 入学おめでとう during the spring cherry blossom season.
- Entering a new school in Japan is viewed as a formal life transition, leading to a dedicated 入学式 (nyūgaku-shiki) or entrance ceremony where 入学おめでとう is exchanged.
Examples in context
- 入学おめでとう！nyuugaku omedetou!Congratulations on starting school!
Example conversation
Ren congratulates Misaki on her first day of university.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、大学への入学おめでとう！Misaki, daigaku e no nyuugaku omedetou!Misaki, congratulations on starting university!
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、蓮君！Arigatou, Ren-kun!Thank you, Ren!
- 蓮 Ren新しい生活、楽しんでね。Atarashii seikatsu, tanoshinde ne.Enjoy your new life.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、頑張るね！Un, ganbaru ne!Yeah, I'll do my best!
