Translation and Meaning of: 休学 - kyuugaku

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 休学 (きゅうがく). It is an important term in the academic context and can raise questions about its exact meaning, usage, and implications. In this article, we will explore everything about this word, from its translation and writing to its cultural significance and how it is perceived in Japan.

Understanding 休学 goes beyond simply knowing its definition. It is necessary to understand the context in which it is used, its frequency in everyday Japanese, and even how it can affect a student's life. If you want to truly learn Japanese, the Suki Nihongo dictionary is a great tool to deepen your knowledge of like this.

Meaning and translation of 休学

The word 休学 (きゅうがく) is composed of two kanji: 休 (rest, pause) and 学 (study, learning). Together, they form the term that means "academic leave" or "temporary withdrawal from studies." Unlike quitting, 休学 implies that the student intends to return to the educational institution after a specified period.

In English, the most common translation is "temporary leave from school" or "academic leave." In Portuguese, we can understand it as "afastamento temporário" or "interrupção dos estudos," but always with the idea that there is the intention to return. It is important not to confuse it with 退学 (たいがく), which means resignation or definitive abandonment.

Use and Cultural Context

In Japan, 休学 (kyuugaku) is a relatively common option, especially in universities. Many students take a year or a semester off to work, travel, take care of their health, or even to prepare for more difficult exams. Unlike in some Western countries, where breaks in studies may be frowned upon, in Japan this practice is socially accepted, as long as it is well justified.

It is worth noting that, although it is allowed, the process to obtain the license is often bureaucratic. The student needs to present a valid reason to the educational institution and, in some cases, it may be necessary to pay a fee to keep the spot reserved. This system reflects the value that Japanese society places on formal education and academic planning.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to the meaning of 休学 is to associate the kanjis that make it up. The first, 休, appears in words such as 休み (やすみ - rest) and 休憩 (きゅうけい - break). The second, 学, is widely used in related to study, such as 学生 (がくせい - student) and 学校 (がっこう - school). This breakdown helps to solidify the general meaning of the term.

Interestingly, the use of 休学 (kyūgaku) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many students chose to postpone their studies due to the uncertainties of the period. Data from the Japanese Ministry of Education show that, in 2020, the number of academic leave requests grew significantly compared to previous years.