Translation and Meaning of: 進学 - shingaku

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japan's culture, you may have come across the word 進学 (しんがく). This term is essential for understanding important aspects of academic and social life in the country. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and use in everyday life, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently. Whether for exams, conversations, or simple curiosity, understanding 進学 is a valuable step in learning the language.

The meaning and use of 進学

進学 (しんがく) means "progression in studies" or "educational advancement." In Japan, this term is often used to refer to entering a higher education institution, such as universities or technical schools. For example, when a high school student passes their entrance exam and starts college, it is said that they have made 進学.

In addition to the academic context, the word carries significant cultural weight. The pressure for 進学 is high in Japan, where school performance and access to good universities are seen as determinants for professional future. This concept reflects values such as discipline and meritocracy, which are common in Japanese society.

The origin and writing of 進学

Shingaku is composed of two kanji: 進 (しん), which means "to advance" or "progress," and 学 (がく), which represents "study" or "learning." Together, they form a clear idea of educational evolution. This combination is not random—it follows the logic of many Japanese terms that unite radicals to create more complex meanings.

It is worth noting that 進学 has no common alternative readings, but it can appear in expressions like 進学率 (しんがくりつ), which refers to the rate of entry into higher education. This type of composition is frequent in journalistic articles or educational reports.

Tips for memorizing and using 進学

An effective way to memorize 進学 is to associate it with real-life situations. Think of Japanese dramas that portray school life, such as "GTO" or "Nigehaji," where the topic of entrance exams and college choices frequently appears. This context helps to understand the practical importance of the word.

Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "彼は東京大学に進学した" (He entered the University of Tokyo). Practicing with real examples reinforces not only vocabulary but also grammatical structure. If you use apps like Anki or WaniKani, including 進学 in your decks might be a good reinforcement.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 進路 (shinro) - Path or direction of study or career.
• 進級 (shinkyuu) - Promotion for a series or higher school year.
• 進学する (shingaku suru) - Enter a higher education institution.
• 進学校 (shingaku kou) - Preparatory school for higher education.
• 進学先 (shingaku saki) - Higher education institution to which you are applying.
• 進学準備 (shingaku junbi) - Preparation for entering a higher education institution.
• 進学指導 (shingaku shidou) - Guidance for entering a higher education institution.
• 進学支援 (shingaku shien) - Support or assistance for admission to a higher education institution.
• 進学情報 (shingaku jouhou) - Information about higher education institutions.
• 進学希望 (shingaku kibou) - Desire or aspiration to enter a higher education institution.
• 進学説明会 (shingaku setsumeikai) - Meeting to explain the options for admission to higher education institutions.
• 進学相談 (shingaku soudan) - Consultation on admission to higher education institutions.
• 進学資料 (shingaku shiryō) - Informative material about admission to higher education institutions.
• 進学試験 (shingaku shiken) - Exam for admission to higher education institutions.
• 進学先大学 (shingaku saki daigaku) - University you are applying to.
• 進学先高校 (shingaku saki koukou) - High school you are applying to.

進学

Romaji: shingaku
Kana: しんがく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: advance in studies

Meaning in English: advance in your studies

Definition: To proceed to a higher education institution.

Example Sentences - (進学) shingaku

See below some example sentences:

私は大学院に進学したいです。

Watashi wa daigakuin ni shingaku shitai desu

I want to enter graduate school.

I want to go to graduate school.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 大学院 (daigakuin) - compound word that means "postgraduate"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the destination or purpose of an action, in this case "for"
• 進学 (shingaku) - composite word that means "advance in studies", in this case "go to graduate school"
• したい (shitai) - form of the verb "to want", in this case "I want"
• です (desu) - particle of completion that indicates a formal or polite statement