履修する
履修する 30초 만에
- A formal academic verb meaning to enroll in and successfully complete a course for credit.
- Commonly used in university contexts for course registration and graduation requirements.
- Distinguished from 'study' (benkyou) by its institutional and bureaucratic nature.
- Essential for discussing transcripts, majors, and official educational progress in Japan.
The Japanese verb 履修する (rishuu suru) is a formal academic term that specifically refers to the act of taking, attending, and successfully completing a course or subject at an educational institution, most commonly at the university or high school level. While simpler words like 'benkyou suru' (to study) or 'narau' (to learn) describe the general act of acquiring knowledge, rishuu suru carries a heavy bureaucratic and structural nuance. It implies that the student is officially registered for the class, follows the curriculum, and fulfills the requirements necessary to earn credits. In the Japanese higher education system, the 'Rishuu Touroku' (course registration) period is a critical time of year where students finalize which lectures they will commit to for the semester.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first kanji, 履 (ri), originally means 'to step' or 'to perform,' but in this context, it signifies the fulfillment of a duty or the carrying out of a process. The second kanji, 修 (shuu), means 'to master,' 'to study,' or 'to repair.' Together, they describe the process of 'performing the mastery' of a subject.
- Institutional Context
- This word is almost exclusively used within the framework of a credit-based system. You wouldn't use it for a casual hobby or a self-taught skill. If you are learning guitar from YouTube, you are 'renshuu suru' (practicing), but if you are taking 'Introduction to Music Theory 101' for three credits at a college, you are 'rishuu suru.'
卒業するために、この必修科目を履修する必要があります。(Sotsugyou suru tame ni, kono hisshuu kamoku o rishuu suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.)
Understanding 履修する is vital for anyone navigating the Japanese education system or reading academic transcripts. It is often paired with specific nouns like 'tan'i' (credits) and 'kamoku' (subjects). When a student says 'I am taking five classes,' they are likely to use this verb to indicate their official enrollment status. It also appears in the context of 'uncompleted' or 'missing' requirements, known as 'mi-rishuu' (未履修), which can be a serious issue for graduation eligibility. In recent years, the term has also extended to professional certifications and online MOOCs that offer formal credit or certification upon completion.
Furthermore, the word reflects a certain level of discipline. To 'rishuu' a course means you have seen it through from the first lecture to the final exam. It is not just about the act of sitting in a chair; it is about the administrative completion of the educational journey for that specific topic. In corporate settings, employees might 'rishuu' internal training modules that are mandatory for promotion, maintaining the same formal and structural nuance found in universities.
Using 履修する correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a Suru-verb. It typically takes a direct object—the subject or course being taken—marked by the particle を (o). Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in the polite form rishuu shimasu or in nominalized forms like rishuu todoke (registration form). It is rarely used in highly casual slang, as the topic of academic credits is inherently somewhat formal.
- Common Grammatical Patterns
- [Subject/Course Name] + を + 履修する. Example: 'Keizaigaku o rishuu suru' (To take/complete Economics).
- Passive and Potential Forms
- While less common, you might see 'rishuu sareru' (is taken/completed) in administrative documents. The potential form 'rishuu dekiru' (can take/complete) is very common when discussing whether a student meets the prerequisites for a specific class.
来学期は、上級日本語と日本文学を履修する予定です。(Raigakki wa, joukyuu nihongo to nihon bungaku o rishuu suru yotei desu.)
When discussing the past, rishuu shita implies that the course is finished and the credits are (presumably) earned. If a student is currently in the middle of a course, they might say rishuu-chuu desu (I am currently taking it). In the context of graduation requirements, you might hear the phrase 'Rishuu busoku' (insufficient credits/courses completed), which strikes fear into the hearts of many Japanese seniors. It is also important to distinguish between 'rishuu' (the whole process) and 'jukou' (the act of attending a specific lecture). 'Jukou' is more about the physical or virtual presence in the classroom, while 'rishuu' is about the academic record.
この授業を履修するには、事前の申し込みが必要です。(Kono jugyou o rishuu suru ni wa, jizen no moushikomi ga hitsuyou desu.)
You will encounter 履修する primarily in academic and formal professional environments. If you are a student in Japan, this word will be a constant companion throughout your university years. It appears on every syllabus, every registration portal, and is the subject of countless conversations with academic advisors. During 'Orientation Week,' faculty members will repeatedly use the term to explain how to build a schedule. You'll hear phrases like 'Rishuu gaido' (Course completion guide) or 'Rishuu tebikisho' (Registration handbook).
- Campus Conversations
- Students often ask each other, 'Nani rishuu shiteru no?' (What [classes] are you taking?). This is a standard way to get to know someone's academic interests. It's more formal than asking what they are studying, focusing specifically on their current courseload.
- Administrative Announcements
- Loudspeaker announcements or email notifications from the 'Kyomu-ka' (Academic Affairs Office) will use this word to warn students about registration deadlines: 'Rishuu touroku no kigen wa asu made desu' (The deadline for course registration is tomorrow).
彼は教職課程を履修するために、教育学部へ転部した。(Kare wa kyoushoku katei o rishuu suru tame ni, kyouiku gakubu e tenbu shita.)
Beyond the campus, you might hear this word in job interviews. Recruiters often look at a candidate's 'Rishuu rireki' (Course completion history) to see if they have the technical background for a role. For example, an engineering firm might ask if you 'rishuu-ed' specific advanced mathematics or fluid dynamics courses. In the world of adult education or 'Lifelong Learning' (Shougai Gakushuu), certified programs also use this term to lend a sense of officiality and prestige to their offerings. It implies a level of rigor that 'just attending' does not.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 履修する (rishuu suru) when they should use benkyou suru (to study). Remember that rishuu suru is about the **system** and **credits**, not the mental act of learning. If you are at home reading a textbook for fun, you are not 'rishuu-ing' anything. You are only 'rishuu-ing' if that textbook is part of a course you are officially registered for. Using this word for self-study sounds very strange and overly bureaucratic, like saying 'I am officially matriculating into a self-directed study of sourdough bread' instead of 'I'm learning to bake.'
- Confusion with 'Jukou'
- Many students confuse 'rishuu' with 'jukou' (受講). 'Jukou' means 'attending a lecture.' You can 'jukou' a single talk or a seminar as a guest without 'rishuu-ing' it. 'Rishuu' implies the long-term commitment to the entire course for credit. If you attend a class but don't take the exam, you 'jukou'-ed it, but you didn't 'rishuu' it successfully.
- Transitive vs. Intransitive Confusion
- Learners sometimes forget the 'o' particle and say 'Keizaigaku ni rishuu suru.' This is incorrect. The course is the object being 'completed,' so 'Keizaigaku o rishuu suru' is the only correct form.
❌ 趣味で日本語を履修しています。(Shumi de nihongo o rishuu shite imasu.)
✅ 趣味で日本語を勉強しています。(Shumi de nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.)
Another common error is using rishuu suru for elementary or middle school. While technically possible in some contexts, it is much more natural to use 'narau' (to learn) or 'jugyou o ukeru' (to take a class) for younger children. Rishuu suru carries a sense of adult responsibility and academic choice, which is why it fits so well with the university elective system. Finally, avoid using it for physical skills like sports or driving unless you are referring to the formal classroom portion of a licensing program.
To truly master 履修する, you must understand how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each alternative has a specific 'flavor' and context. Choosing the right one shows a high level of Japanese proficiency. For instance, while rishuu suru is administrative, manabu is more philosophical and personal.
- 受講する (Jukou suru)
- This means 'to attend a lecture.' It focuses on the act of listening and participating in the class session. You can 'jukou' a one-time seminar, but you 'rishuu' a full-semester course.
- 単位を取る (Tan'i o toru)
- Literally 'to take/get credits.' This is the more colloquial way to say you've completed a course. If you 'rishuu' a class and pass the exam, you 'tan'i o toru.'
- 専攻する (Senkou suru)
- This means 'to major in.' While 'rishuu' is about individual courses, 'senkou' is about your entire field of study.
彼は大学で心理学を専攻し、多くの統計学の科目を履修した。(Kare wa daigaku de shinrigaku o senkou shi, ooku no toukeigaku no kamoku o rishuu shita.)
Another common alternative is shuutoku suru (習得する), which means 'to acquire a skill' or 'to master a technique.' This is used more for practical skills like a language or a craft. If you 'rishuu' a Japanese class, the end goal is to 'shuutoku' the Japanese language. Finally, jugyou o ukeru (授業を受ける) is the most general and common way to say 'take a class.' It is used by students of all ages and is much less formal than rishuu suru. Use jugyou o ukeru in daily conversation and rishuu suru when talking about graduation requirements or academic planning.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The kanji 履 is the same one used in 'kutsu' (shoes - 履物 hakimono), implying the 'steps' one takes in their education.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'ri' as an English 'L' or heavy 'R'.
- Shortening the long 'uu' sound in 'shuu'.
- Placing stress on the wrong syllable (Japanese is pitch-based, not stress-based).
- Confusing 'rishuu' with 'renshuu' (practice).
- Incorrectly voicing the 's' in 'suru' to sound like 'z'.
난이도
The kanji 履 is somewhat complex (JLPT N1 level), though the word itself is B1/N3 level.
Writing 履 correctly requires careful attention to stroke order and components.
The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long vowel.
Can be confused with 'renshuu' if not listening carefully to the vowels.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Suru-verbs
履修する、登録する、卒業する
The particle 'o' for objects
経済学を履修する
Volitional form + 'to omou'
この科目を履修しようと思う
'Tame ni' for purpose
卒業するために履修する
'Nakereba naranai' for obligation
必修科目を履修しなければならない
수준별 예문
学校で日本語を履修します。
I take Japanese at school.
Simple present form of rishuu suru.
この科目を履修する。
I will take this subject.
Dictionary form used for a simple statement.
履修登録をします。
I will do course registration.
Using rishuu as a noun in a compound.
何を履修しますか。
What will you take?
Question form using the polite -masu.
英語を履修しています。
I am taking English.
Present continuous form (-te iru).
昨日は履修について話した。
Yesterday, we talked about registration.
Using rishuu as a noun with the particle 'ni tsuite'.
履修は大変ですか。
Is taking courses difficult?
Simple question about the noun 'rishuu'.
数学を履修したいです。
I want to take math.
Desire form (-tai).
来年はドイツ語を履修するつもりです。
I intend to take German next year.
Using 'tsumori' to express intention.
履修届を提出しました。
I submitted the registration form.
Using 'rishuu-todoke' as a specific noun.
このクラスはもう履修しました。
I have already taken this class.
Past tense indicating completion.
履修科目を決めてください。
Please decide on your subjects.
Using 'rishuu kamoku' as a compound noun.
全部で5つの科目を履修します。
I will take five subjects in total.
Specifying the number of subjects.
履修案内を読みましたか。
Did you read the course guide?
Using 'rishuu annai' as a compound noun.
必修科目を履修しなければなりません。
You must take mandatory subjects.
Using 'nakereba narimasen' for obligation.
彼は化学を履修している。
He is taking chemistry.
Present continuous in casual form.
卒業するために必要な単位をすべて履修した。
I completed all the credits necessary to graduate.
Relative clause modifying 'tan'i'.
オンラインでこの講座を履修することができます。
You can take this course online.
Potential form 'koto ga dekiru'.
履修登録の期間を忘れないでください。
Please do not forget the registration period.
Focusing on the time period 'kikan'.
彼は経済学を履修しようと考えている。
He is thinking about taking economics.
Volitional form + 'to kangaete iru'.
この授業を履修するには先生の許可が必要です。
To take this class, you need the teacher's permission.
Using 'ni wa' to indicate a requirement.
履修した科目が多すぎて、毎日忙しいです。
I'm taking too many subjects, so I'm busy every day.
Using '-sugiru' to indicate excess.
留学先で履修した単位は認められますか。
Will the credits I took while studying abroad be recognized?
Passive form 'mitomerareru'.
履修漏れがないか、もう一度確認してください。
Please check again to make sure you haven't missed any registrations.
Using 'rishuu-more' to mean 'missing registration'.
履修条件を満たしていないため、その科目は取れません。
I can't take that subject because I don't meet the prerequisites.
Using 'rishuu jouken' (prerequisites).
大学側は、履修計画の作成を支援している。
The university is supporting the creation of study plans.
Using 'rishuu keikaku' (study plan).
彼は4年間で130単位を履修し、卒業した。
He completed 130 credits over four years and graduated.
Specific count of credits with the verb.
履修の中止を希望する場合は、事務局へ連絡してください。
If you wish to cancel a course, please contact the office.
Formal 'kibou suru baai' structure.
このプログラムを履修することで、専門的な知識が得られる。
By completing this program, you can gain specialized knowledge.
Using 'koto de' to indicate means.
多くの学生が、就職に有利な科目を履修したがる。
Many students want to take subjects that are advantageous for employment.
Using '-tagaru' to express the desire of others.
履修科目の重複は認められないので注意してください。
Please be careful as overlapping subjects are not allowed.
Formal administrative warning.
彼女は教職課程を履修しながら、アルバイトもしている。
She is doing a part-time job while completing the teacher training course.
Using '-nagara' to show simultaneous actions.
大学教育の質を保証するため、厳格な履修管理が求められている。
Strict course management is required to guarantee the quality of university education.
Formal passive 'motomerarete iru'.
履修履歴データに基づいた、学生一人ひとりへのアドバイス。
Advice for each student based on their course completion history data.
Using 'rishuu rireki' (course history).
未履修科目の解消に向けた、補習授業の実施。
Implementation of supplementary classes aimed at resolving uncompleted subjects.
Using 'mi-rishuu' (uncompleted/not taken).
履修モデルを参考にしながら、自分なりのカリキュラムを組む。
Build your own curriculum while referring to course models.
Using 'rishuu moderu' (course model).
学際的な視点を養うため、他学部の科目を履修することが推奨される。
Taking subjects from other faculties is recommended to cultivate an interdisciplinary perspective.
Formal recommendation 'suishou sareru'.
履修放棄が増加している背景には、授業内容のミスマッチがある。
The background of the increase in course abandonment is a mismatch in lesson content.
Using 'rishuu houki' (course abandonment).
生涯学習の一環として、社会人が大学の講義を履修するケースが増えている。
As part of lifelong learning, there are increasing cases of working adults taking university lectures.
Complex sentence structure with 'isskan' and 'keesu'.
履修規定の変更により、卒業要件が厳しくなった。
Due to changes in the course regulations, graduation requirements became stricter.
Using 'rishuu kitei' (course regulations).
大学設置基準の改正に伴い、履修系統図の明示が義務化された。
With the revision of the standards for establishing universities, the clear indication of curriculum maps was mandated.
Highly formal administrative language.
履修の形骸化を防ぎ、実質的な学習時間を確保することが急務である。
It is an urgent matter to prevent the formalization of course completion and ensure substantial study time.
Using 'keigaika' (becoming a mere shell/formalization).
自己主導型学習において、どの科目を履修すべきかの判断能力は極めて重要だ。
In self-directed learning, the ability to judge which subjects should be completed is extremely important.
Using '-beki' for 'should'.
履修登録システムの高度化により、学生の利便性は飛躍的に向上した。
Due to the sophistication of the course registration system, student convenience has improved dramatically.
Using 'hiyaku-teki' (leap-like/dramatically).
教育課程の編成において、履修科目の順序性は慎重に検討されるべき課題である。
In the organization of educational programs, the sequencing of subjects to be completed is an issue that should be carefully considered.
Using 'junjosei' (sequencing).
履修証明プログラムは、社会人のリスキリングにおいて重要な役割を果たしている。
The certificate of completion program plays an important role in the reskilling of working adults.
Using 'rishuu shoumei' (certificate of completion).
学生の履修行動を分析することで、ドロップアウトの予兆を捉えることが可能となる。
By analyzing student course completion behavior, it becomes possible to capture signs of dropping out.
Scientific/analytical tone.
履修の多様化は、学生に主体的な学びを促す一方で、指導の複雑化を招いている。
While the diversification of course completion encourages proactive learning in students, it also leads to increased complexity in guidance.
Using 'ippou de' (on the other hand).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— The official act of registering for courses at the start of a semester.
履修登録の締め切りは今日です。
— The specific subjects or courses a student is currently taking.
今年の履修科目をリストにする。
— A long-term plan for which courses to take over several semesters.
卒業までの履修計画を立てる。
— A guidebook or handbook explaining how to register for and complete courses.
履修案内をよく読んでください。
— A mistake where a student forgets to register for a required class.
履修漏れがあると卒業できない。
— A formal certificate proving that a course has been completed.
履修証明書を発行してもらう。
— Prerequisites or requirements needed to take a specific course.
このクラスには履修条件があります。
— Formally dropping a course after the registration period has ended.
履修中止の手続きを行う。
자주 혼동되는 단어
Renshuu is for practicing skills (piano, soccer), Rishuu is for taking academic courses.
Jukou is the act of attending a lecture; Rishuu is the administrative completion of the whole course.
Gakushuu is a general word for 'learning'; Rishuu is specifically within a school system for credit.
관용어 및 표현
— Literally 'to knock on the gate,' meaning to seek entrance to a school or apprenticeship.
大学の門を叩き、経済学を履修した。
Literary— To establish oneself in a profession through study.
法学を履修し、弁護士として身を立てる。
Formal혼동하기 쉬운
Both involve learning something.
Shuutoku is about mastering a skill; Rishuu is about finishing a course's administrative requirements.
日本語を履修して、会話力を習得した。
Both mean finishing.
Shuuryou is often used for finishing a whole program (like a Master's) or a short certificate course. Rishuu is for individual subjects.
全ての
문장 패턴
[Subject] を 履修します。
日本語を履修します。
[Subject] を 履修する 予定です。
歴史を履修する予定です。
[Subject] を 履修した ことがあります。
統計学を履修したことがあります。
[Subject] を 履修する ために [Action]。
資格を取るために、この講座を履修する。
[Subject] を 履修して います。
今、法律を履修しています。
[Subject] の 履修 を 通じて [Result]。
この科目の履修を通じて、批判的思考を養う。
[Subject] を 履修する 義務 がある。
全学生はこの科目を履修する義務がある。
[Subject] の 履修 が 制限されている。
定員の関係で、この科目の履修が制限されている。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
High in academic settings; Low in daily life outside of education.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'RE-SHOE' (履修). You put on your 'academic shoes' to walk through the course until the very end.
시각적 연상
Visualize a student walking (履) down a long hallway of books, mastering (修) each one as they pass.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to list three subjects you would like to 'rishuu' if you were a student at Tokyo University.
어원
Derived from Middle Chinese roots. 'Ri' (履) means 'to walk' or 'to perform/fulfill'. 'Shuu' (修) means 'to study' or 'to cultivate'.
원래 의미: To perform the act of cultivating one's knowledge or mastering a discipline.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)문화적 맥락
Generally a safe, professional word. No specific sensitivities.
In the US/UK, we say 'taking a class' or 'enrolling in a course.' 'Rishuu suru' is more specific like 'completing for credit.'
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
University Life
- 履修登録をする
- 単位を落とす
- 抽選科目を履修する
- シラバスを確認する
Job Hunting
- 履修履歴をアップロードする
- 得意な科目を履修した
- 大学での履修内容を説明する
- 成績表を提出する
Academic Advising
- 履修計画を相談する
- 卒業に足りない単位
- 必修科目の履修漏れ
- 他学部の科目を履修したい
Online Learning
- 修了証が出る講座を履修する
- 自分のペースで履修する
- 動画を視聴して履修する
- オンライン履修システム
Teacher Training
- 教職課程を履修する
- 教育実習の前に履修する
- 免許取得のために履修する
- 必要な科目が決まっている
대화 시작하기
"今学期は、全部で何単位履修しているの? (How many credits are you taking in total this semester?)"
"履修登録、もう終わった? (Did you finish course registration yet?)"
"おすすめの履修科目はある? (Do you have any recommended subjects to take?)"
"その先生の授業、履修したことある? (Have you ever taken that teacher's class?)"
"卒業までに何を履修しなきゃいけないんだっけ? (What do I have to take before graduation again?)"
일기 주제
今学期履修している科目の中で、一番面白いものは何ですか。なぜですか。 (What is the most interesting subject you are taking this semester? Why?)
将来のために、どのような科目を履修すべきだと思いますか。 (What kind of subjects do you think you should take for your future?)
履修登録の時に、一番苦労することは何ですか。 (What is the most difficult thing when doing course registration?)
もし自由に科目を履修できるなら、何を学びたいですか。 (If you could take any subject freely, what would you want to learn?)
大学の履修規定について、どう思いますか。 (What do you think about the university's course completion regulations?)
Summary
Use '履修する' (rishuu suru) when you are talking about the official process of taking a class at a school or university. It implies registration and credit-earning, making it much more formal than simply 'learning' or 'studying.' For example: 'I am taking (rishuu) three law courses this semester.'
- A formal academic verb meaning to enroll in and successfully complete a course for credit.
- Commonly used in university contexts for course registration and graduation requirements.
- Distinguished from 'study' (benkyou) by its institutional and bureaucratic nature.
- Essential for discussing transcripts, majors, and official educational progress in Japan.
관련 콘텐츠
academic 관련 단어
絶対的
B2절대적; 다른 것과 비교되지 않고 그 자체로 독립되어 있는 상태. 무조건적이고 완전한 상태.
絶対的に
B1절대적으로. 다른 것과 비교할 수 없을 정도로 완벽하거나 확실한 상태.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2물리적 실체나 구체적인 존재 없이 생각이나 개념으로만 존재하는 것을 의미합니다. 특정 세부 사항에서 벗어나 사물의 본질을 일반화하거나 추출하는 것을 가리킵니다. (추상 미술이 일반적인 예입니다.)
抽象的に
B1추상적이거나 이론적인 방식으로. 구체적인 사물이 아닌 아이디어나 개념에 사용됩니다.
学術的な
B1학문이나 학술에 관한 모양. 대학이나 연구 기관에서의 전문적인 연구나 이론에 관련된 것.
学術的だ
B1학술적; 학문이나 기술에 관한 것. 이 논문은 학술적으로 가치가 있다.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1학술. 학문과 연구 등 지적인 탐구와 체계적인 학습의 세계.
学力
B1학력은 학교 교육을 통해 얻은 지식이나 능력을 의미합니다.