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.
彼は中卒で働き始めた。
He started working after graduating from middle school.
中卒でも取れる資格はたくさんある。
There are many qualifications you can get even with just a middle school education.
求人情報には学歴が高卒以上と書いてあり、中卒では応募できなかった。
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 is an abbreviation of 中学校卒業 (middle school graduation). It follows the same abbreviation pattern as other education-level terms.
RELATED EDUCATION LEVELS:
- 中卒 — middle school graduate
- 高卒 — high school graduate
- 大卒 — university graduate
- 院卒 — graduate school graduate
CULTURAL NOTE: In Japan, where over 98% of students go on to high school, 中卒 can carry negative connotations. Job listings often require at least 高卒 as a minimum educational qualification.