입학하다 (ip-hak-ha-da, iphakhada) · 졸업하다 (jol-eop-ha-da, joleophada)
입학하다 (ip-hak-ha-da) means to enter a school, while 졸업하다 (jol-eob-ha-da) means to graduate or finish school; they mark the start and end of school life respectively.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To enter a school or institution as a new student
When to use
start school, introducing new students, attending entrance ceremony
The nuance
입학하다 is used to indicate the start of school life, when someone becomes a student for the first time.
To complete all required courses at a school or institution and finish
When to use
completing studies, attending graduation ceremony, earning a degree
The nuance
졸업하다 indicates the end of school life, used when finishing the prescribed academic program.
저는 올해 대학에 입학했어요.
jeo-neun ol-hae dae-hak-e ip-hak-haess-eo-yo., jeo neun ol hae dae hak e ip hak haess eo yo.
입학하다 is correct because it means entering a school as a new student.
저는 올해 대학을 졸업했어요.
jeo-neun ol-hae dae-hak-eul jol-eop-haess-eo-yo., jeo neun ol hae dae hak eul jol eop haess eo yo.
졸업하다 is correct because it means finishing school.
내년에 고등학교에 졸업할 거예요.
nae-nyeon-e go-deung-hak-gyo-e jol-eop-hal geo-ye-yo., nae nyeon e go deung hak gyo e jol eop hal geo ye yo.
졸업하다 means finishing school, not entering; use 입학하다 for entering school.
내년에 고등학교에 입학할 거예요.
nae-nyeon-e go-deung-hak-gyo-e ip-hak-hal geo-ye-yo., nae nyeon e go deung hak gyo e ip hak hal geo ye yo.
입학하다 is appropriate for entering a school.
졸업식에 참석해서 친구들을 입학했어요.
jol-eop-sik-e cham-seok-hae-seo chin-gu-deul-eul ip-hak-haess-eo-yo., jol eop sik e cham seok hae seo chin gu deul eul ip hak haess eo yo.
입학하다 does not fit with graduation ceremony and cannot be used for 'entering' people.
졸업식에서 친구들이 졸업했어요.
jol-eop-sik-e-seo chin-gu-deul-i jol-eop-haess-eo-yo., jol eop sik e seo chin gu deul i jol eop haess eo yo.
졸업하다 naturally connects with graduation ceremonies.
신입생들은 입학식에서 졸업했어요.
sin-ip-saeng-deul-eun ip-hak-sik-e-seo jol-eop-haess-eo-yo., sin ip saeng deul eun ip hak sik e seo jol eop haess eo yo.
At an entrance ceremony, 입학하다 is used; 졸업하다 is incorrect here.
신입생들은 입학식에서 입학했어요.
sin-ip-saeng-deul-eun ip-hak-sik-e-seo ip-hak-haess-eo-yo., sin ip saeng deul eun ip hak sik e seo ip hak haess eo yo.
입학하다 fits naturally with entrance ceremonies.
Which word means 'to enter a school as a new student'?
Choose the correct word: 'I will ______ university this semester.'
Which word is most related to 'entrance ceremony'?
