入学

• Reading: にゅうがく
• Romaji: nyuugaku
• Kanji breakdown: 入 (nyuu) — enter, put in; 学 (gaku) — learning, school, study
• Pronunciation: /ɲɯː.ga.kɯ/

Meaning

Admission to a school; enrollment; matriculation. Entering a school as a new student.

Functions as a noun or する verb (入学する). Used for entering any level of school from elementary through university. The 入学式 (nyuugakushiki, entrance ceremony) held every April is a major cultural event in Japan, with families dressing formally to celebrate.

Examples

1. 四月に大学に入学します。 I'm entering university in April.
2. 息子の入学式に出席した。 I attended my son's school entrance ceremony.
3. 入学のために必要な書類を準備している。 I'm preparing the documents needed for enrollment.

Usage Guide

Context: school, ceremonies, life events

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 入 (nyuu, enter) and 学 (gaku, learning/school). Literally entering the place of learning.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal