留学

• Reading: りゅうがく
• Romaji: ryuugaku
• Kanji breakdown: 留 (ryuu) — to stay, to remain; 学 (gaku) — to learn, to study
• Pronunciation: /ɾʲɯː.ɡa.kɯ/

Meaning

Studying abroad. The act of going to a foreign country for academic study.

A noun and suru verb commonly used when discussing overseas education. 留学する means to study abroad. Related terms include 留学生 (international student) and 留学先 (study-abroad destination). Japan has many exchange programs, making this a frequently used word.

Examples

1. 大学三年生のときにフランスに留学した。 I studied abroad in France during my third year of college.
2. 留学の経験は私の人生を変えました。 The experience of studying abroad changed my life.
3. 来年からイギリスに留学する予定だ。 I plan to study abroad in England starting next year.

Usage Guide

Context: education, travel, career planning

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 留 (to stay, to remain) and 学 (to learn, to study). The combination conveys the idea of staying somewhere to study — specifically in a foreign land.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adults

Social background: Universal