中卒(ちゅうそつ)

ちゅうそつ
noun
middle school graduate
education
1. middle school graduate
A person whose highest level of completed education is middle school (junior high school). Also refers to the educational level itself. In Japan, where high school attendance is nearly universal, this term can carry social stigma.
彼(かれ)は中卒(ちゅうそつ)で働(はたら)き始(はじ)めた。
He started working after graduating from middle school.
中卒(ちゅうそつ)でも取(と)れる資格(しかく)はたくさんある。
There are many qualifications you can get even with just a middle school education.
求人(きゅうじん)情報(じょうほう)には学歴(がくれき)が高卒(こうそつ)以上(いじょう)と書(か)いてあり、中卒(ちゅうそつ)では応募(おうぼ)できなかった。
The job listing said the requirement was high school graduate or above, so I couldn't apply with only a middle school education.

Usage: 中卒(ちゅうそつ) is an abbreviation of 中学校(ちゅうがっこう)卒業(そつぎょう) (middle school graduation). It follows the same abbreviation pattern as other education-level terms.

Related education levels

Cultural note: In Japan, where over 98% of students go on to high school, 中卒(ちゅうそつ) can carry negative connotations. Job listings often require at least 高卒(こうそつ) as a minimum educational qualification.

Related Words

Related: 高卒(こうそつ) (high school graduate)
Related: 大卒(だいそつ) (university graduate)
Related: 院卒(いんそつ) (graduate school graduate)
general
Added 2026.2.16 11:00 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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