Translation and Meaning of: 合格 - goukaku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 合格 (ごうかく, gōkaku). It carries a powerful meaning and is frequently used in important contexts, especially in academic and professional life. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written in kanji, its pronunciation, and some examples of use in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see how it is linked to cultural values and why it is so relevant for those seeking to understand Japan in depth.

The meaning and importance of 合格

The word 合格 means "approval" or "passing an exam," and it is widely used in educational and professional contexts. In Japan, where exams and competitions hold immense significance in people's lives, this expression is filled with emotion. Those who have gone through a selection process know the relief and joy that come with a simple 合格通知 (gōkaku tsūchi), the notice of approval.

But 合格 is not limited to school tests. It can also be used in certifications, public tenders, and even in internal evaluations of companies. Japanese culture values meritocracy highly, and passing something difficult is seen as an achievement worthy of pride. That's why this word frequently appears in conversations, news, and even in motivational messages.

The writing and origin of 合格

Analyzing the kanjis that make up 合格, we have 合 (gō), which means "suitable" or "to combine," and 格 (kaku), which can be translated as "standard" or "level." Together, they form the idea of "reaching the necessary standard" or "meeting the requirements." This combination reflects the meaning of the word well, as passing an exam or assessment means fulfilling the established criteria.

It is worth noting that 合格 does not have a specific ancient or historical origin, but its logical construction makes it easy to understand. Students of Japanese often memorize it more quickly by associating the kanjis with their practical meaning. Furthermore, it does not have complicated alternative readings, which makes learning easier.

Cultural uses and common phrases

In Japan, receiving the news that one has passed 合格 an important exam is a memorable moment. Many families celebrate when a child passes the entrance exam for a renowned university, for example. Phrases like 合格おめでとう！ (Gōkaku omedetō!, "Congratulations on passing!") are common in these moments, showing how the word is ingrained in everyday life.

Furthermore, 合格 appears frequently in animes, dramas, and even in songs that depict student life. One example is the term 合格祈願 (gōkaku kigan), which means "praying for success." Many students visit Shinto shrines before important exams to make requests of this kind, highlighting the emotional weight that the word carries in Japanese society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 合格 (Gōkaku) - Approval, Success in an exam
• 認定 (Nintei) - Recognition, Official certification
• 許可 (Kyoka) - Permission, authorization
• 承認 (Shonin) - Approval, Consent
• 認可 (Ninka) - Formal authorizations, Approval by authority
• 証明 (Shomei) - Test, Witness
• 証明書 (Shomeisho) - Certificate, Proof document
• 証 (Shō) - Test, Test
• 証書 (Shōsho) - Documents that certify something, Certificate
• 証券 (Shōken) - Title, Financial Certificate
• 証印 (Shōin) - Proof printing, Certification seal
• 証明印 (Shomeiin) - Certificate seal, Checkmark
• 証拠 (Shōko) - Evidence, Proofs
• 証言 (Shōgen) - Testimony, Oral statement in court
• 証明する (Shomei suru) - Test, Certify
• 証する (Shō suru) - Testify, Certify
• 証明書を発行する (Shomeisho o hakko suru) - Issue certificate
• 証書を発行する (Shōsho o hakko suru) - Issue official document
• 証券を発行する (Shōken o hakko suru) - Issue securities or financial instruments
• 証明印を押す (Shomeiin o osu) - Stamp with a certificate seal
• 証言する (Shōgen suru) - Testify, Make a statement in court
• 証拠を示す (Shōko o shimesu) - Show evidence, Present proof

合格

Romaji: goukaku
Kana: ごうかく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: success; passing (eg exam); eligibility

Meaning in English: success;passing (e.g. exam);eligibility

Definition: Meeting goals and standards. Being successful.

Example Sentences - (合格) goukaku

See below some example sentences:

面接に合格したいです。

Mensetsu ni goukaku shitai desu

I want to pass the interview.

I want to pass the interview.

• 面接 (mensetsu) - interview
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target or the location of an action
• 合格 (goukaku) - approval
• したい (shitai) - to want to do
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

お蔭様で無事に試験に合格しました。

O kage sama de mujitsu ni shiken ni goukaku shimashita

Thank God

Thanks to you, I passed the exam with confidence.

• お蔭様で - "Thank God"
• 無事に - "no problem"
• 試験に - "on the exam"
• 合格しました - "passed"