卒業式(そつぎょうしき)

そつぎょうしき
noun
graduation ceremony
1. graduation ceremony
A formal ceremony to celebrate the completion of studies at a school.
卒業式(そつぎょうしき)で涙(なみだ)を流(なが)した。
I shed tears at the graduation ceremony.
卒業式(そつぎょうしき)は3月(がつ)に行(おこな)われる。
The graduation ceremony is held in March.
卒業式(そつぎょうしき)で校長(こうちょう)先生(せんせい)が挨拶(あいさつ)した。
The principal gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Compound of 卒業(そつぎょう) (graduation) + 式(しき) (ceremony). One of the most emotionally significant events in Japanese school life.

CULTURAL NOTE:
Typically held in March. Formal events featuring the school song, individual diploma presentations, and often tearful farewells. Students wear their uniforms; at some schools, the second button (第二(だいに)ボタン) is given as a memento.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 卒業式(そつぎょうしき)に出席(しゅっせき)する: to attend a graduation ceremony
  • 卒業式(そつぎょうしき)で泣(な)く: to cry at graduation
  • 卒業証書(そつぎょうしょうしょ): diploma
  • 卒業証書授与(そつぎょうしょうしょじゅよ): diploma presentation

RELATED TERMS:

  • 入学式(にゅうがくしき): entrance ceremony (held in April)
  • 卒業(そつぎょう): graduation

Related Words

Antonym: 入学式(にゅうがくしき) (entrance ceremony)
Related: 卒業(そつぎょう) (graduation)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:14 · Revised 2026.4.14 19:22
05500/05584_sotsugyoushiki