欠席する

• Reading: けっせきする
• Romaji: kesseki suru
• Kanji breakdown: 欠 (ketsu/ka) — lack, absence; 席 (seki) — seat, place
• Pronunciation: /kes.se.ki.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be absent; to miss (a class, meeting, or event). The formal term for not attending.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb formed from the noun 欠席 (absence). The direct opposite of 出席する. Used primarily in school and workplace settings. Carries a somewhat serious tone as absences are tracked carefully in Japanese institutions.

Examples

1. 風邪をひいて学校を欠席しました。 I caught a cold and was absent from school.
2. 明日の授業を欠席する場合は連絡してください。 If you're going to miss tomorrow's class, please let us know.
3. 彼女は一度も欠席したことがない。 She has never been absent even once.

Usage Guide

Context: school, business, administration

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 欠 (ketsu/ka) meaning lack or be absent and 席 (seki) meaning seat or place. Literally means lacking from one's seat — not being present.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal