必修

ひっしゅう

required (subject)

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"必修" (ひっしゅう) refers specifically to subjects or courses that are mandatory in an academic curriculum. When a subject is labeled as 必修, students must complete it to fulfill graduation requirements or progress in their studies.

Common Contexts

You will often see 必修 used in school or university settings, especially in course catalogs, syllabi, and academic advising. It contrasts with 選択 (せんたく), meaning elective or optional courses.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 必修科目 (ひっしゅうかもく): required subject/course
  • 必修単位 (ひっしゅうたんい): required credits
  • 必修として登録する: to register as a required course

Register and Nuance

必修 is a formal term used in educational contexts. It implies obligation and necessity, so students cannot skip these courses without consequences.

Common Learner Mistake

Some learners confuse 必修 with "必要" (necessary) in a general sense. 必修 is specifically about academic requirements, not general necessity. Use 必修 only when referring to required courses or subjects.

Example Sentences

だいがくではすうがくがひっしゅうかもくです。

Mathematics is a required subject at university.

このじゅぎょうはひっしゅうなので、けっせきできません。

This class is required, so you cannot be absent.

ひっしゅうかもくをおえたら、せんたくかもくをとることができます。

After completing the required subjects, you can take elective subjects.