卒業式(そつぎょうしき)

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 words

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