At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You might not need to use '退学する' (taigaku suru) yourself, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as 'leaving school and never coming back.' In English, we say 'quit school.' In Japanese, we use this special word for schools. It is made of 'taigaku' (leaving school) and 'suru' (to do). You might hear it in a simple story about a student who had to leave because they were sick. Remember: it is for schools only! You cannot use it for a job or a game. Just remember 'school + wo + taigaku suru'.
At the A2 level, you can start to understand the difference between 'taigaku suru' and other words like 'yameru' (to stop). While 'yameru' is general, 'taigaku suru' is formal and specifically for schools. You might use it to talk about a friend or a character in a book. You should also know the noun 'taigaku' (withdrawal). For example, 'taigaku no riyuu' means 'the reason for leaving school.' It's important to use the particle 'wo' with the school name. 'Daigaku wo taigaku shimasu' (I will withdraw from university). This level is about using the word in simple, factual sentences.
At the B1 level, you should understand the social weight of 'taigaku suru.' It is not just leaving; it is often a serious decision or a punishment. You should be able to explain *why* someone is withdrawing using structures like '...node' or '...tame ni.' You should also learn the word 'chuutai' (dropping out midway), which is a common way to describe the status. This level also introduces the passive form 'taigaku saserareru' (to be expelled). Understanding the difference between voluntary withdrawal and being forced to leave is key at this intermediate stage.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the implications of 'taigaku suru' on a person's future or career. You should be familiar with related terms like 'kyuugaku' (leave of absence) and 'teigaku' (suspension) and be able to use them accurately in discussion. You will encounter 'taigaku' in more complex texts, such as news articles about educational reform or social issues. You should also understand the administrative process, such as 'taigaku-todoke' (notice of withdrawal). At this level, you should be able to express nuanced opinions about whether a school's decision to expel a student was fair or not.
At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the legal and administrative nuances of 'taigaku suru.' This includes knowing the difference between 'jishu taigaku' (voluntary) and 'choukai taigaku' (disciplinary expulsion). You should be able to read and understand university regulations regarding 'joen' (removal from the register) versus 'taigaku.' You can use the word in formal debates or academic writing about the Japanese education system. You also understand the cultural stigma and how it has changed over time in modern Japanese society, allowing you to use the word with perfect sociolinguistic competence.
At the C2 level, you master the word 'taigaku suru' in all its forms and contexts. You can analyze the word's usage in classical or modern literature and understand the psychological impact on characters. You are comfortable using it in high-level legal, sociological, or philosophical discussions about the right to education and the authority of institutions. You understand the historical etymology of the kanji '退' and '学' and how they reflect East Asian views on institutional belonging. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, including the subtle use of honorifics and humble forms when discussing withdrawal in a social hierarchy.

退学する in 30 Seconds

  • 退学する (taigaku suru) means to withdraw from school permanently before graduating. It is a formal term used for all educational levels from elementary to university.
  • It can be voluntary (leaving by choice) or involuntary (being expelled). It is grammatically a transitive verb using the particle 'wo' for the school.
  • Unlike 'kyuugaku' (temporary break) or 'sotsugyou' (graduation), 'taigaku' represents a definitive end to a student's enrollment at a specific institution.
  • In Japanese society, the term carries significant weight and is often associated with serious life changes, financial struggles, or disciplinary actions.
The Japanese verb 退学する (taigaku suru) is a formal and specific term used to describe the act of leaving an educational institution permanently before completing the required course of study. In English, this is most commonly translated as 'to drop out of school' or 'to withdraw from school.' However, the Japanese term carries a weight that reflects the high value placed on education within Japanese society. Unlike the English word 'quit,' which can be used for hobbies, jobs, or habits, taigaku suru is strictly reserved for schools, colleges, and universities. It is a compound verb consisting of the noun 退学 (taigaku), meaning 'withdrawal from school,' and the helper verb する (suru), meaning 'to do.' The first kanji, 退 (tai), means to retreat, withdraw, or step back, while the second kanji, 学 (gaku), refers to learning or study. Together, they paint a picture of stepping away from the path of learning.
Voluntary Withdrawal
This is known as 自主退学 (jishu taigaku). It happens when a student chooses to leave for personal reasons, such as financial difficulties, health issues, or a change in career goals. In this context, the student submits a formal request to the school administration.
Expulsion
When the school forces a student to leave due to behavioral issues, poor grades, or illegal activities, it is called 懲戒退学 (choukai taigaku). This is a very serious disciplinary action that remains on a student's permanent record.

彼は経済的な理由で大学を退学することに決めた。(He decided to withdraw from the university for financial reasons.)

校則に違反したため、彼は退学することになった。(Because he violated school rules, it was decided he would be expelled.)

病気のために高校を退学するのはとても残念だ。(It is very regrettable to withdraw from high school due to illness.)

Administrative Context
In formal documents, you will see 退学届 (taigaku-todoke), which is the official 'notice of withdrawal' form that must be filed. The process is not just walking away; it involves bureaucratic steps.

退学届を提出して、正式に学校を退学する。(Submit the withdrawal notice and officially leave the school.)

夢を追いかけるために、彼は音楽大学を退学する道を選んだ。(To follow his dreams, he chose the path of withdrawing from the music college.)

In summary, taigaku suru is a heavy word. It implies a permanent severance of the relationship between the student and the institution. It is used in news reports, formal conversations, and dramatic storytelling to signify a major turning point in a person's life. Whether the reason is positive (pursuing a dream) or negative (expulsion), the action itself is definitive and formal. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the structural importance of education in the Japanese social hierarchy.
Using 退学する (taigaku suru) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a transitive verb that takes the object marker を (wo). The object is always the school or educational institution being left. Structurally, it follows the pattern: [School] を 退学する. Because it is a suru-verb, it can be conjugated into various forms to express different nuances of time, politeness, and intent.
Active Voice
When the student is the subject making the decision, you use the standard form. For example, 'I will withdraw' is '退学します' (taigaku shimasu) or '退学する' (taigaku suru) in casual speech.

留学するために、今の大学を退学するつもりです。(I intend to withdraw from my current university in order to study abroad.)

Passive Voice (Expulsion)
To express being expelled, the passive form 退学させられる (taigaku saserareru) is often used. This literally translates to 'being made to withdraw.' This emphasizes that the decision was not the student's own.

カンニングが見つかり、彼は学校を退学させられた。(He was caught cheating and was expelled from school.)

Causative Form
The causative form 退学させる (taigaku saseru) means 'to make someone withdraw' or 'to expel someone.' This is used from the perspective of the school or the parents.

校長先生は、その生徒を退学させる決定を下した。(The principal made the decision to expel that student.)

親は彼に無理やり学校を退学させた。(His parents forced him to withdraw from school.)

もうこれ以上勉強を続けられないので、退学するしかありません。(Since I can't continue my studies anymore, I have no choice but to withdraw.)

When discussing taigaku suru, the context often involves the 'result' or 'decision.' Therefore, phrases like 退学することになった (it was decided that [I/he/she] would withdraw) are very common in both formal and informal storytelling. This phrasing softens the directness of the action and suggests that external circumstances or formal processes led to the outcome. Mastering these variations allows you to describe academic transitions with precision and cultural awareness.
You will encounter 退学する (taigaku suru) in several distinct environments in Japan, ranging from formal administrative settings to popular media. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the social weight the word carries. In a school administration office (事務局 - jimukyoku), the word is purely technical. It refers to the removal of a student's name from the official register (学籍 - gakuseki). If you are a student in Japan and need to leave your school, this is the word you will use in all official paperwork.
In News and Media
Japanese news reports frequently use this term when discussing scandals involving students. For example, if a group of university students is arrested for a crime, the news will report whether the university has decided to 'taigaku saseru' (expel) them. It is a key term in reporting on educational standards and discipline.

ニュース:不祥事を起こした学生が、今日正式に大学を退学した。(News: The student involved in the scandal officially withdrew from the university today.)

In Anime and Manga
This is a common trope in school-themed anime and manga. Often, a 'delinquent' character (不良 - furyou) is threatened with 'taigaku' by a strict teacher or student council president. The threat of expulsion is a high-stakes plot device because it implies the end of the character's social life and future prospects within the school setting.

アニメ:『次に問題を起こしたら、即刻退学だ!』(Anime: 'If you cause another problem, you're expelled immediately!')

In Daily Conversations
Among friends, you might hear it when someone is gossiping about a classmate who suddenly disappeared. 'Did you hear? Tanaka-kun taigaku shita rashii yo' (I heard Tanaka-kun dropped out). In these cases, it is often followed by speculation about the reason.

友達:『えっ、佐藤さん、先月で学校を退学しちゃったの?』(Friend: 'Wait, Sato-san already dropped out of school last month?')

先生:『家庭の事情で退学する生徒が増えている。』(Teacher: 'The number of students withdrawing due to family circumstances is increasing.')

ドラマ:『私は自分の意志で退学します。もうここにはいられません。』(Drama: 'I am withdrawing of my own will. I can't stay here anymore.')

Whether you are watching a high-school romance or reading a serious news article about university tuition hikes, taigaku suru serves as a vital marker for the end of a student's academic journey. Its usage is a clear indicator of the formality and finality of the situation.
For English speakers learning Japanese, 退学する (taigaku suru) can be tricky because the English word 'leave' is much broader. One of the most common mistakes is using やめる (yameru) in place of taigaku suru. While yameru can mean 'to quit,' it is often too casual or vague for formal academic withdrawal. If you tell a professor '学校をやめます' (Gakkou wo yamemasu), it sounds like you are just quitting a hobby, whereas '退学します' (Taigaku shimasu) sounds like a formal, life-altering decision.
Confusion with 休学 (kyuugaku)
A critical mistake is using taigaku suru when you only mean to take a temporary break or a 'leave of absence.' In Japanese, taking a break while remaining enrolled is 休学する (kyuugaku suru). If you say you are going to taigaku suru, people will think you are never coming back.

❌ 1年だけ退学して、また戻ってきます。(Incorrect: I will withdraw for just one year and then come back.)

✅ 1年だけ休学して、また戻ってきます。(Correct: I will take a leave of absence for one year and then come back.)

Wrong Particle Usage
Learners sometimes use the particle から (kara) to mean 'from school.' While '学校から退学する' is technically understandable, the standard and more natural way to phrase it is using を (wo) to mark the school as the object of the withdrawal.

❌ 学校から退学した。(Awkward: Withdrew from school.)

✅ 学校を退学した。(Natural: Withdrew from school.)

❌ スポーツクラブを退学する。(Incorrect: Withdrawing from a sports club.)

✅ スポーツクラブを退会する。(Correct: Leaving a sports club.)

Another nuance to be careful of is the difference between taigaku and teigaku (suspension). 停学 (teigaku) means you are forbidden from coming to school for a specific period as a punishment, but you are still a student. Taigaku is the permanent end. If you mix these up in a conversation about discipline, you might drastically overstate or understate the severity of the situation. By paying attention to these distinctions, you can avoid common pitfalls and speak with greater clarity.
To truly master 退学する (taigaku suru), it's helpful to compare it with other words that describe leaving or stopping an activity. This will help you choose the most appropriate term for any given situation. In the academic world, the most common 'sister' words are kyuugaku and teigaku, but there are also more formal or specific terms like joen.
退学 (Taigaku) vs. 休学 (Kyuugaku)
As mentioned, taigaku is permanent, whereas kyuugaku is a temporary leave of absence. Use kyuugaku if you plan to return after a semester or a year. Use taigaku if you are finished with that school for good.
退学 (Taigaku) vs. 停学 (Teigaku)
Teigaku is a disciplinary suspension. You are still enrolled, but you cannot attend classes for a set period. Taigaku is the ultimate disciplinary action: expulsion.

彼は1週間の停学処分を受けたが、退学は免れた。(He received a one-week suspension, but he escaped expulsion.)

退学 (Taigaku) vs. 除籍 (Joen)
除籍 (joen) is a more technical administrative term meaning 'removal from the register.' This often happens automatically if a student fails to pay tuition for a long time or if they exceed the maximum number of years allowed to stay in school. While the result is the same as taigaku, the nuance is more about administrative removal than a personal or disciplinary decision.
退学 (Taigaku) vs. 中退 (Chuutai)
中退 (chuutai) is an abbreviation of '途中退学' (tochu-taigaku), meaning 'leaving school midway.' It is a very common, slightly more casual noun used to describe the state of being a dropout. For example, '大学中退' (daigaku chuutai) means 'college dropout.' While taigaku suru is the action, chuutai is often used to describe the status on a resume.

彼は大学を中退して、起業した。(He dropped out of university and started a business.)

履歴書に「高校中退」と書く。(Write 'High school dropout' on the resume.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the complexities of Japanese educational terminology with confidence. Whether you are filling out a form, writing a resume, or discussing a character's backstory, choosing the right word will ensure you are understood perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '退' is the same one used in 'taishoku' (retiring from a job) and 'taishutsu' (exiting a room), all sharing the theme of 'leaving a designated space or role'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK taɪ.ɡa.kɯ sɯ.ɾɯ
US taɪ.ɡɑ.ku su.ru
The pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban) or has a slight drop after 'ta', but in 'taigaku suru', the pitch remains relatively level until the end.
Rhymes With
Daigaku (University) Kyuugaku (Leave of absence) Teigaku (Suspension) Shingaku (Advancing to higher school) Kengaku (Study tour) Ryugaku (Study abroad) Gogaku (Language study) Kagaku (Science)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'tai' as 'tay' (it should be 'tie').
  • Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end of 'gaku' and 'suru' (they are often whispered or very short).
  • Using a hard English 'r' for 'ru' instead of the Japanese tapped 'r'.
  • Failing to distinguish the two kanji sounds clearly.
  • Incorrect pitch accent making it sound like a different word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge (N3 level).

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '退' and '学' correctly requires practice, especially the 'shin-nyou' radical.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'suru' verb conjugation.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in school-related contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学校 (School) 勉強 (Study) する (To do) 卒業 (Graduation) 辞める (To quit)

Learn Next

休学 (Leave of absence) 停学 (Suspension) 除籍 (Removal from register) 履歴書 (Resume) 就職 (Finding a job)

Advanced

学籍 (Student registry) 懲戒 (Disciplinary action) 勧告 (Recommendation) 困窮 (Hardship) 断念 (Giving up)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

勉強する、卒業する、退学する

Transitive verbs with を

学校を退学する

Passive Voice (~させられる)

悪いことをして退学させられた。

Causative Voice (~させる)

校長が彼を退学させた。

Expressing reasons with ~で / ~のために

病気で退学した。

Examples by Level

1

学校を退学します。

I will withdraw from school.

Basic [School] + wo + [Verb] structure.

2

彼は退学しましたか?

Did he withdraw from school?

Past tense question form.

3

田中さんは、昨日退学しました。

Tanaka-san withdrew from school yesterday.

Simple past tense.

4

退学するのは、悲しいです。

Withdrawing from school is sad.

Using 'no wa' to make the verb a subject.

5

どうして退学するのですか?

Why are you withdrawing from school?

Asking for a reason.

6

病気で退学します。

I am withdrawing due to illness.

Using 'de' to show the cause.

7

今日、退学届を出しました。

Today, I submitted the withdrawal notice.

Using the noun 'taigaku-todoke'.

8

友達が退学して、寂しいです。

My friend withdrew, and I am lonely.

Using the 'te-form' to connect feelings.

1

お金がないので、退学するしかありません。

Because I have no money, I have no choice but to withdraw.

Using 'shika arimasen' (no choice but to).

2

彼は、もうすぐ退学するそうです。

I heard that he will withdraw soon.

Using 'sou desu' for hearsay.

3

退学する前に、先生に相談しました。

Before withdrawing, I consulted with my teacher.

Using 'mae ni' (before).

4

彼女が退学した理由は、わかりません。

I don't know the reason why she withdrew.

Noun clause: 'taigaku shita riyuu'.

5

退学したくないけれど、仕方がありません。

I don't want to withdraw, but it can't be helped.

Negative desire form 'takunai'.

6

大学を退学して、働き始めました。

I withdrew from university and started working.

Connecting two actions with the te-form.

7

彼は、高校を中退(退学)しました。

He dropped out of high school.

Introducing the concept of 'chuutai'.

8

退学の手続きは、とても大変でした。

The withdrawal procedure was very difficult.

Using 'tetsuzuki' (procedure).

1

プロの歌手になるために、音楽大学を退学することにしました。

I decided to withdraw from the music college to become a professional singer.

Using 'koto ni shimashita' for a personal decision.

2

彼は悪いことをして、学校を退学させられた。

He did something bad and was expelled from school.

Passive voice 'saserareru' implies expulsion.

3

退学するか休学するか、まだ迷っています。

I am still wondering whether to withdraw or take a leave of absence.

Comparing 'taigaku' and 'kyuugaku'.

4

両親に内緒で、彼は大学を退学してしまった。

He withdrew from university without telling his parents.

Using 'shimatta' to show regret or a completed action.

5

退学届を受理してもらうために、事務室へ行った。

I went to the office to have my withdrawal notice accepted.

Using 'juri suru' (to accept/process).

6

彼は家庭の事情で、やむを得ず退学した。

He withdrew from school inevitably due to family circumstances.

Using 'yamu wo ezu' (unavoidably).

7

退学した後の計画は、まだ決まっていない。

The plan after withdrawing has not been decided yet.

Using 'taigaku shita ato' (after withdrawing).

8

一度退学すると、戻るのは難しいですよ。

Once you withdraw, it is difficult to return.

Using the conditional 'to' (if/once).

1

学校側は、彼を退学させるという厳しい処分を下した。

The school made a harsh decision to expel him.

Causative 'saseru' used by the institution.

2

経済的な困窮により、多くの学生が退学を余儀なくされている。

Due to financial hardship, many students are being forced to withdraw.

Formal expression 'yogi naku sarete iru' (forced to).

3

彼は起業に専念するため、大学を中途退学した。

He dropped out of university to focus on his startup.

Using 'chuuto taigaku' (midway withdrawal).

4

退学処分が妥当かどうか、議論が分かれている。

Opinions are divided on whether the expulsion was appropriate.

Using 'shobun' (disciplinary action) and 'datou' (appropriate).

5

彼は一度退学したが、猛勉強して別の大学に入り直した。

He withdrew once, but studied hard and re-entered a different university.

Using 'hairi-naosu' (re-enter).

6

不当な理由で退学させられたとして、彼は学校を訴えた。

He sued the school, claiming he was expelled for unfair reasons.

Using 'toshite' (claiming that/as).

7

退学届には、保護者の署名と捺印が必要です。

The withdrawal notice requires a guardian's signature and seal.

Administrative vocabulary: 'hogosha', 'shomei', 'natsuin'.

8

彼は大学を退学したことを、今でも後悔している。

He still regrets withdrawing from university even now.

Using 'koto' to nominalize the phrase.

1

大学側は、授業料未納を理由に彼を除籍、あるいは退学させる方針だ。

The university plans to remove him from the register or expel him due to unpaid tuition.

Comparing 'joen' and 'taigaku' in a formal context.

2

自主退学という形をとったが、実質的には解雇に近いものだった。

It took the form of a voluntary withdrawal, but in reality, it was close to a dismissal.

Nuanced description of the nature of the withdrawal.

3

学問への情熱を失い、彼は静かに大学を退学していった。

Having lost his passion for scholarship, he quietly withdrew from the university.

Literary phrasing 'te itta'.

4

退学勧告を受けた際、彼は自分の非を認めることを拒んだ。

When he received the recommendation to withdraw, he refused to admit his fault.

Using 'taigaku kankoku' (recommendation to withdraw).

5

退学という選択が、彼の人生にどのような影を落とすかは未知数だ。

It is unknown how the choice of withdrawing will cast a shadow over his life.

Metaphorical usage 'kage wo otosu'.

6

彼は病気療養のため、断腸の思いで退学を決意した。

For medical treatment, he decided to withdraw with a heavy heart (heart-wrenching feelings).

Using the idiom 'danchou no omoi'.

7

近年の退学率の上昇は、教育システムの構造的問題を示唆している。

The recent rise in the dropout rate suggests structural problems in the education system.

Academic context: 'taigaku-ritsu' (dropout rate).

8

退学を思いとどまるよう、周囲の人々は必死に彼を説得した。

People around him desperately tried to persuade him to reconsider withdrawing.

Using 'omoi-todomaru' (to reconsider/stop oneself).

1

彼は、学問的誠実さを欠いたとして、大学から懲戒退学の処分を言い渡された。

He was sentenced to disciplinary expulsion by the university for lacking academic integrity.

Highly formal 'choukai taigaku' and 'ii-watasareru'.

2

退学という断絶が、彼のアイデンティティを根底から揺るがした。

The severance of withdrawal shook his identity to its core.

Philosophical/Abstract usage.

3

彼は、既存の教育制度に背を向け、自律的な学びを求めて退学を選んだのである。

He turned his back on the existing educational system and chose withdrawal in search of autonomous learning.

Literary/Analytical tone.

4

退学届の一枚の紙が、彼と社会を結ぶ細い糸を断ち切ってしまったかのようだった。

It was as if that single piece of withdrawal paper had severed the thin thread connecting him to society.

Metaphorical/Poetic description.

5

彼は、退学を余儀なくされた境遇を逆手に取り、独学で道を切り拓いた。

He took advantage of the circumstances that forced him to withdraw and carved out a path through self-study.

Using 'saka-te ni toru' (to turn a disadvantage into an advantage).

6

その大学の退学規定は、あまりにも厳格で融通が利かないものだった。

The university's withdrawal regulations were far too strict and inflexible.

Discussing institutional 'kitei' (regulations).

7

彼は、退学に至るまでの葛藤を、一冊の手記にまとめ上げた。

He compiled the internal conflict leading up to his withdrawal into a single memoir.

Using 'itaru made no kattou' (conflict leading up to).

8

退学という行為が、単なるドロップアウトではなく、一種の抵抗として機能していた。

The act of withdrawing functioned not as a mere dropout, but as a form of resistance.

Sociological analysis of the act.

Common Collocations

大学を退学する
退学届を出す
退学処分を受ける
経済的理由で退学する
自主的に退学する
退学を勧告する
病気で退学する
退学を思いとどまる
退学を余儀なくされる
退学を検討する

Common Phrases

退学届

— The official document or 'notice of withdrawal' one must submit to the school.

退学届の書き方を教えてください。

中途退学

— Leaving school halfway through; the full formal term for 'dropping out'.

中途退学者の就職支援を行う。

退学処分

— The disciplinary action of expulsion taken by a school.

退学処分は最も重い罰だ。

自主退学

— Voluntary withdrawal from school by the student's own request.

彼は悩んだ末に自主退学した。

退学率

— The dropout rate of a particular institution or group.

その大学は退学率が低いことで有名だ。

退学勧告

— A recommendation from the school for a student to withdraw voluntarily before being expelled.

学校から退学勧告が来た。

退学金

— While rare, this can refer to a partial refund of tuition upon withdrawal.

退学金が戻ってくるか確認する。

退学騒動

— A scandal or public commotion surrounding someone's withdrawal or expulsion.

彼の退学騒動でクラスが荒れた。

退学証明書

— An official certificate proving that one has withdrawn from a school.

別の学校に入るために退学証明書が必要だ。

退学者

— A person who has withdrawn from school; a dropout.

退学者のその後の人生を追跡調査する。

Often Confused With

退学する vs 休学 (Kyuugaku)

Kyuugaku is a temporary break; Taigaku is permanent.

退学する vs 停学 (Teigaku)

Teigaku is a temporary suspension as punishment; Taigaku is expulsion.

退学する vs 退会 (Taikai)

Taikai is for clubs or gyms; Taigaku is only for schools.

Idioms & Expressions

"退学の憂き目に遭う"

— To suffer the bitter experience of having to withdraw from school.

不運にも彼は退学の憂き目に遭った。

Literary
"退学を突きつける"

— To confront someone with the threat or reality of expulsion.

学校は彼に退学を突きつけた。

Dramatic
"退学も辞さない"

— To be prepared even for withdrawal; to not shy away from the possibility of leaving school.

彼は退学も辞さない覚悟で抗議した。

Formal
"退学に追い込まれる"

— To be cornered or forced into a position where one must withdraw.

借金のために退学に追い込まれた。

Common
"退学の道を選ぶ"

— To choose the path of withdrawing from school (often implying a difficult choice).

彼は夢のために、あえて退学の道を選んだ。

Narrative
"退学という苦渋の選択"

— The bitter/painful choice of withdrawing from school.

彼は退学という苦渋の選択を迫られた。

Formal
"退学を盾に取る"

— To use the threat of expulsion as a weapon or leverage.

先生は退学を盾に取って、生徒を従わせた。

Critical
"退学の烙印を押される"

— To be branded as a dropout (implying social stigma).

退学の烙印を押されるのを恐れている。

Metaphorical
"退学に踏み切る"

— To take the bold or decisive step of withdrawing from school.

彼はついに退学に踏み切った。

Common
"退学を余儀なくされる"

— To be forced by circumstances to withdraw from school.

怪我でプロへの道を断たれ、退学を余儀なくされた。

Formal

Easily Confused

退学する vs 退職 (Taishoku)

Both mean 'leaving' an institution.

Taishoku is for jobs/companies; Taigaku is for schools.

会社を退職する vs 学校を退学する

退学する vs 卒業 (Sotsugyou)

Both involve leaving school.

Sotsugyou is for finishing studies; Taigaku is for leaving before finishing.

大学を卒業する vs 大学を退学する

退学する vs 転校 (Tenkou)

Both involve leaving a specific school.

Tenkou means moving to another school; Taigaku means leaving education or that specific path entirely.

引っ越しで転校する vs 夢のために退学する

退学する vs 辞退 (Jitai)

Both involve 'withdrawing'.

Jitai is for declining an offer or a prize; Taigaku is for leaving an enrolled school.

内定を辞退する vs 学校を退学する

退学する vs 下校 (Gekou)

Both involve leaving the school building.

Gekou is just going home for the day; Taigaku is leaving the institution forever.

3時に下校する vs 3月に退学する

Sentence Patterns

A1

[School] を 退学します。

高校を退学します。

A2

[Reason] で 退学しました。

病気で退学しました。

B1

[Goal] のために 退学することにしました。

夢のために退学することにしました。

B1

[Action] て 退学させられた。

喧嘩をして退学させられた。

B2

[School] を 退学するつもりは ありません。

大学を退学するつもりはありません。

B2

退学を 余儀なくされる。

怪我で退学を余儀なくされた。

C1

退学という 苦渋の選択を 下す。

彼は退学という苦渋の選択を下した。

C2

退学処分が 妥当かどうか 議論される。

退学処分が妥当かどうか議論されている。

Word Family

Nouns

退学 (Withdrawal)
退学者 (Dropout)
退学届 (Withdrawal notice)
中途退学 (Midway withdrawal)

Verbs

退学させる (To expel/make withdraw)
退学させられる (To be expelled)

Related

学校 (School)
学生 (Student)
卒業 (Graduation)
休学 (Leave of absence)
停学 (Suspension)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic and news contexts, rare in daily non-student life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'yameru' for formal withdrawal. 退学する (Taigaku suru)

    While 'yameru' is okay for friends, 'taigaku suru' is necessary for official or serious contexts.

  • Using 'taigaku' for a temporary break. 休学する (Kyuugaku suru)

    Taigaku is permanent. Kyuugaku is for when you plan to return.

  • Using 'kara' instead of 'wo'. 学校を退学する

    The school is the direct object of the withdrawal in Japanese grammar.

  • Using 'taigaku' for leaving a company. 退職する (Taishoku suru)

    Taigaku is only for educational institutions. Use Taishoku for jobs.

  • Confusing 'taigaku' with 'sotsugyou'. 卒業する (Sotsugyou suru)

    Sotsugyou is for finishing; Taigaku is for quitting early.

Tips

Resume Writing

When writing a resume in Japan, if you dropped out, you should write the school name followed by '中途退学'. This is more professional than just saying you 'quit'.

Social Stigma

Be aware that 'taigaku' is a sensitive topic. If someone tells you they withdrew, it's polite to wait for them to explain why rather than asking 'Why?' immediately.

Particle Choice

Always use the particle 'wo' with 'taigaku suru'. For example: 大学を退学する. Using 'kara' is a common mistake for English speakers.

Temporary Breaks

If you are just taking a year off to travel or recover from illness, use '休学' (kyuugaku). 'Taigaku' means you are done with that school forever.

Expulsion Terms

In news reports, you will see '懲戒退学' (choukai taigaku). This is the most severe form of expulsion and is used for criminal acts or serious misconduct.

Administrative Forms

The form you fill out to leave is called a '退学届' (taigaku-todoke). You usually need your parents' or guarantor's signature on this document.

Explaining Gaps

If you 'taigaku shita', employers will want to know why. Prepare a positive explanation, such as 'pursuing a specific skill' or 'career change'.

Kanji Recognition

Recognize the 'shin-nyou' radical in '退'. It often relates to movement or stepping away. This helps you remember it means 'withdraw'.

Politeness

When speaking to a teacher about leaving, use '退学させていただきます' to show respect for the institution you are leaving.

Hearsay

In schools, you'll often hear '~君、退学したんだって' (I heard ~-kun dropped out). The 'datte' at the end indicates it's a rumor.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TAI' as 'TIE' (you are tying up your loose ends) and 'GAKU' as 'GA-school' (school). You are tying up your school life and leaving.

Visual Association

Imagine a student walking out of a large school gate ('Gaku') and waving goodbye ('Tai' - retreat).

Word Web

School Exit Dropout Expulsion Paperwork Decision Future Registry

Challenge

Try to write a sentence explaining a famous person who 'taigaku shita' (like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates) in Japanese.

Word Origin

Composed of the Chinese-derived kanji '退' (retreat/withdraw) and '学' (study/learning).

Original meaning: To withdraw from the place of learning.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking someone if they 'taigaku shita.' It is a very personal and potentially shameful topic. Use 'yameru' or 'kyuugaku' if you are unsure.

In the West, 'dropping out' can sometimes be romanticized (e.g., tech founders). In Japan, it is almost always seen as a serious administrative or personal crisis.

The character Holden Caulfield in 'Catcher in the Rye' (translated into Japanese) is a famous 'taigakusha'. Many 'shonen' manga protagonists face the threat of 'taigaku' as a major plot point. Celebrities who 'taigaku' from top universities often make headline news in Japan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Administrative

  • 退学届を提出する
  • 退学証明書を発行する
  • 退学手続き
  • 学籍を抹消する

Disciplinary

  • 退学処分を受ける
  • 懲戒退学
  • 退学勧告
  • 問題行動

Personal/Financial

  • 経済的理由
  • 家庭の事情
  • 病気療養
  • 自主退学

Career Change

  • 起業するため
  • 留学するため
  • 進路変更
  • 中途退学

Gossip/News

  • 退学したらしい
  • 退学騒動
  • ニュースになる
  • 噂を聞く

Conversation Starters

"もし、今の大学を退学するとしたら、何をしますか? (If you were to withdraw from your current university, what would you do?)"

"日本では退学することに対して、どのようなイメージがありますか? (What kind of image is there in Japan regarding withdrawing from school?)"

"有名な人で、大学を退学した後に成功した人を知っていますか? (Do you know any famous people who succeeded after withdrawing from university?)"

"退学届を書いたことがありますか? (Have you ever written a withdrawal notice?)"

"友達が「退学したい」と言ったら、どうアドバイスしますか? (If a friend said 'I want to withdraw,' what advice would you give?)"

Journal Prompts

退学することのメリットとデメリットについて書いてください。 (Write about the pros and cons of withdrawing from school.)

もし自分が退学を余儀なくされたら、どのような気持ちになるか想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about how you would feel if you were forced to withdraw.)

「学歴」と「退学」の関係について、自分の考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the relationship between 'academic background' and 'withdrawal'.)

教育制度において、退学処分は必要だと思いますか? (Do you think expulsion is necessary in the education system?)

自分が学校を辞めたいと思った時の経験(もしあれば)を振り返ってください。 (Reflect on an experience when you thought about quitting school, if any.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'taigaku' can be used for language schools, though 'yameru' is also very common in that context because language schools are often seen as less formal than universities.

'Taigaku' is the verb (to withdraw), while 'chuutai' is a noun (the state of being a dropout). You say 'taigaku suru' but you put 'chuutai' on your resume.

Not necessarily. While it often implies a problem, it can also be a positive choice to pursue a different career or study abroad.

Use the passive form: '退学させられました' (Taigaku saseraremashita).

It means 'voluntary withdrawal,' where the student chooses to leave rather than being forced out.

No, for a gym or club, use 'taikai' (退会).

Yes, 'koukou chuutai' (高校中退) is the standard phrase.

You might be '除籍' (joen - removed from the register), which is effectively the same as 'taigaku'.

Yes, it is a formal Kango (Sino-Japanese) word.

It is written as 退学.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence: 'I withdrew from high school due to illness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He was expelled from university.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I am thinking about whether to withdraw or take a leave of absence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please submit the withdrawal notice.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He dropped out of college to start a business.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I regret withdrawing from school.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The school decided to expel the student.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The dropout rate is increasing.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'I had no choice but to withdraw.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He withdrew from school midway.'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'Is the expulsion appropriate?'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'He escaped expulsion.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to see the withdrawal certificate.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He withdrew due to family circumstances.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I decided to withdraw from school today.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't withdraw from school!'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Why did you withdraw?'

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writing

Write a sentence: 'He was forced to withdraw.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I submitted the withdrawal notice to the office.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He is a high school dropout.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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speaking

Say: 'I will withdraw from school.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I dropped out of university.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I want to submit a withdrawal notice.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He was expelled for bad behavior.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I have no choice but to withdraw.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Why did you decide to withdraw?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am a high school dropout.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I regret withdrawing.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I will take a leave of absence instead of withdrawing.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The dropout rate is low.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He withdrew due to money problems.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I submitted the form yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'He was forced to withdraw.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am thinking about withdrawing.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Please don't expel me.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He chose voluntary withdrawal.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'It was a difficult choice.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He re-entered after withdrawing.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The principal expelled him.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I need a withdrawal certificate.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 学校を退学する。

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listening

Listen and write: 彼は大学を中退した。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学届を出しましたか?

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listening

Listen and write: 彼は退学させられたらしい。

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listening

Listen and write: 経済的理由で退学した。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学処分は重い罰です。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and write: 彼は自主退学を決めた。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学証明書を発行する。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and write: 彼は高校を中退して働いている。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学を余儀なくされた。

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listening

Listen and write: 彼は退学を後悔していない。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学勧告を受けた生徒。

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listening

Listen and write: 退学率の調査を行う。

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listening

Listen and write: 彼は夢のために退学した。

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listening

Listen and write: 学校を退学することになった。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to know the dropout rate of this university.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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