退学する
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.
- 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.)
- 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.)
- 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.')
- 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.)
- 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.)
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
- 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
The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge (N3 level).
Writing the kanji '退' and '学' correctly requires practice, especially the 'shin-nyou' radical.
The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'suru' verb conjugation.
Easily recognizable in school-related contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
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
学校を退学します。
I will withdraw from school.
Basic [School] + wo + [Verb] structure.
彼は退学しましたか?
Did he withdraw from school?
Past tense question form.
田中さんは、昨日退学しました。
Tanaka-san withdrew from school yesterday.
Simple past tense.
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.
どうして退学するのですか?
Why are you withdrawing from school?
Asking for a reason.
病気で退学します。
I am withdrawing due to illness.
Using 'de' to show the cause.
今日、退学届を出しました。
Today, I submitted the withdrawal notice.
Using the noun 'taigaku-todoke'.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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'.
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'.
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.
彼は、高校を中退(退学)しました。
He dropped out of high school.
Introducing the concept of 'chuutai'.
退学の手続きは、とても大変でした。
The withdrawal procedure was very difficult.
Using 'tetsuzuki' (procedure).
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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).
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'.
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'.
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).
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).
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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
Common Phrases
— 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。
— Leaving school halfway through; the full formal term for 'dropping out'.
中途退学者の就職支援を行う。
— The disciplinary action of expulsion taken by a school.
退学処分は最も重い罰だ。
— Voluntary withdrawal from school by the student's own request.
彼は悩んだ末に自主退学した。
— 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。
— 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。
— 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。
— 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。
— 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。
— 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
Kyuugaku is a temporary break; Taigaku is permanent.
Teigaku is a temporary suspension as punishment; Taigaku is expulsion.
Taikai is for clubs or gyms; Taigaku is only for schools.
Idioms & Expressions
— 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— To confront someone with the threat or reality of expulsion.
学校は彼に退学を突きつけた。
Dramatic— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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。
FormalEasily Confused
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
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
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
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
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
[School] を 退学します。
高校を退学します。
[Reason] で 退学しました。
病気で退学しました。
[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。
[Action] て 退学させられた。
喧嘩をして退学させられた。
[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。
退学を 余儀なくされる。
怪我で退学を余儀なくされた。
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。
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
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common in academic and news contexts, rare in daily non-student life.
-
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
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.
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 questionsYes, '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
Write a sentence: 'I withdrew from high school due to illness.'
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Write a sentence: 'He was expelled from university.'
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Write a sentence: 'I am thinking about whether to withdraw or take a leave of absence.'
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Write a sentence: 'Please submit the withdrawal notice.'
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Write a sentence: 'He dropped out of college to start a business.'
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Write a sentence: 'I regret withdrawing from school.'
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Write a sentence: 'The school decided to expel the student.'
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Write a sentence: 'The dropout rate is increasing.'
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Write a sentence: 'I had no choice but to withdraw.'
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Write a sentence: 'He withdrew from school midway.'
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Write a sentence: 'Is the expulsion appropriate?'
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Write a sentence: 'He escaped expulsion.'
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Write a sentence: 'I want to see the withdrawal certificate.'
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Write a sentence: 'He withdrew due to family circumstances.'
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Write a sentence: 'I decided to withdraw from school today.'
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Write a sentence: 'Don't withdraw from school!'
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Write a sentence: 'Why did you withdraw?'
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Write a sentence: 'He was forced to withdraw.'
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Write a sentence: 'I submitted the withdrawal notice to the office.'
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Write a sentence: 'He is a high school dropout.'
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Say: 'I will withdraw from school.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'I dropped out of university.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I want to submit a withdrawal notice.'
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You said:
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Say: 'He was expelled for bad behavior.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I have no choice but to withdraw.'
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You said:
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Say: 'Why did you decide to withdraw?'
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You said:
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Say: 'I am a high school dropout.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I regret withdrawing.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I will take a leave of absence instead of withdrawing.'
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You said:
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Say: 'The dropout rate is low.'
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You said:
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Say: 'He withdrew due to money problems.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I submitted the form yesterday.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'He was forced to withdraw.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'I am thinking about withdrawing.'
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You said:
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Say: 'Please don't expel me.'
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You said:
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Say: 'He chose voluntary withdrawal.'
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Say: 'It was a difficult choice.'
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Say: 'He re-entered after withdrawing.'
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Say: 'The principal expelled him.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I need a withdrawal certificate.'
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You said:
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Listen and write: 学校を退学する。
Listen and write: 彼は大学を中退した。
Listen and write: 退学届を出しましたか?
Listen and write: 彼は退学させられたらしい。
Listen and write: 経済的理由で退学した。
Listen and write: 退学処分は重い罰です。
Listen and write: 彼は自主退学を決めた。
Listen and write: 退学証明書を発行する。
Listen and write: 彼は高校を中退して働いている。
Listen and write: 退学を余儀なくされた。
Listen and write: 彼は退学を後悔していない。
Listen and write: 退学勧告を受けた生徒。
Listen and write: 退学率の調査を行う。
Listen and write: 彼は夢のために退学した。
Listen and write: 学校を退学することになった。
Write a sentence: 'I want to know the dropout rate of this university.'
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
退学する is the formal way to say 'drop out' or 'be expelled' from school. Example: '彼は夢のために大学を退学した' (He withdrew from university for his dream). Use it only for schools, not jobs or clubs.
- 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.
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.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.