(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)(なみだ)(なが)した
I shed tears at the graduation ceremony.
卒業式(そつぎょうしき)3(がつ)(おこな)われる
The graduation ceremony is held in March.
The principal gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Compound of 卒業(そつぎょう) (graduation) + (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)出席(しゅっせき)する: to attend a graduation ceremony
  • 卒業式(そつぎょうしき)(): 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: