Understanding 卒業 (そつぎょう)
卒業 means "graduation" and is commonly used to describe the completion of a course of study, such as from high school, university, or other educational institutions. It is a noun but often appears with verbs like する (to do) to form the verb phrase 卒業する (to graduate).
Common Usage and Contexts
卒業 is frequently used in formal and informal contexts when talking about finishing school or university. It can refer to the event itself (graduation ceremony) or the act of completing studies.
Typical Collocations
- 卒業する: to graduate
- 卒業式 (そつぎょうしき): graduation ceremony
- 卒業証書 (そつぎょうしょうしょ): diploma or graduation certificate
Nuances and Tips
When using 卒業, it often implies a significant milestone and transition in life. It is polite and neutral, suitable for both casual and formal conversations. A common learner mistake is confusing 卒業 with 修了 (しゅうりょう), which means completion but is used for courses or training programs rather than formal school graduation.
Example Patterns
- [School]を卒業する: to graduate from [school]
- 卒業式に出席する: to attend the graduation ceremony
- 卒業後に～する: to do something after graduation
Understanding these patterns will help you use 卒業 naturally in conversation and writing.