面接 en 30 segundos
- Mensetsu is the standard Japanese word for a formal interview, used primarily for jobs and academic admissions.
- It is a noun that combines 'face' and 'contact,' highlighting the importance of in-person evaluation in Japan.
- The word is distinct from 'intabyuu,' which is used for media or journalistic purposes rather than evaluation.
- Mastering 'mensetsu' involves understanding the associated etiquette, such as bowing and using formal Keigo.
The Japanese word 面接 (めんせつ - mensetsu) is a formal noun that refers to an interview. At its core, it describes a structured interaction where one party evaluates another, typically for employment, school admission, or a specific qualification. Unlike a casual chat or a general meeting (会議 - kaigi), a mensetsu is inherently evaluative and hierarchical. The kanji themselves offer a window into the meaning: 面 (men) means 'face' or 'surface,' and 接 (setsu) means 'to touch' or 'to come into contact with.' Thus, it literally translates to 'face-to-face contact,' emphasizing the importance of physical presence and direct interaction in the Japanese evaluation process.
- Formal Definition
- A systematic process of questioning and observation used to assess a candidate's suitability for a role.
- Etymological Nuance
- The combination of 'face' and 'contact' suggests that the true character of a person is revealed when meeting in person.
- Social Weight
- In Japan, a mensetsu is not just about skills; it is a test of character, manners (manner), and social harmony (wa).
明日、就職の面接があります。 (Ashita, shuushoku no mensetsu ga arimasu.) - I have a job interview tomorrow.
In the context of Japanese society, the mensetsu is the gateway to one's career and social standing. Whether it is the rigorous shukatsu (job hunting) season for university students or an entrance interview for a prestigious kindergarten, the word carries a sense of gravity and preparation. It is rarely used for casual journalistic interviews; for those, the loanword インタビュー (intabyuu) is preferred. Mensetsu implies a gatekeeper-applicant dynamic.
彼は面接で緊張してしまいました。 (Kare wa mensetsu de kinchou shite shimaimashita.) - He got nervous during the interview.
The word encompasses various formats: group interviews (集団面接 - shuudan mensetsu), individual interviews (個人面接 - kojin mensetsu), and even stress interviews (圧迫面接 - appaku mensetsu). Each type requires a different level of linguistic politeness (Keigo) and physical etiquette, such as the specific way one enters the room and bows. Understanding mensetsu is not just about the word; it is about understanding the Japanese 'culture of the gate.'
面接官は厳しい質問をしました。 (Mensetsukan wa kibishii shitsumon o shimashita.) - The interviewer asked tough questions.
- Scope
- Applies to jobs, schools, visas, and official certifications.
- Tone
- Highly formal and professional.
オンラインで面接を受ける。 (Onrain de mensetsu o ukeru.) - To take an interview online.
二次面接に進むことができました。 (Niji mensetsu ni susumu koto ga dekimashita.) - I was able to proceed to the second interview.
Using 面接 (mensetsu) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a component of compound verbs. While it is primarily a noun, it frequently functions as a 'suru-verb' (面接する) when you are the one conducting the interview. If you are the candidate, you 'receive' the interview (面接を受ける - mensetsu o ukeru).
1. As a Noun
In its simplest form, it identifies the event. You can modify it with adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of interview.
- 採用面接 (Saiyou mensetsu): Recruitment interview.
- 最終面接 (Saishuu mensetsu): Final interview.
- 面接試験 (Mensetsu shiken): Interview exam.
2. Common Verb Pairings
The choice of verb depends on your role in the interaction:
- 面接を受ける (Mensetsu o ukeru)
- Used by the applicant/candidate. 'I am taking an interview.'
- 面接を行う (Mensetsu o okonau)
- Used by the company/institution. 'To conduct an interview.'
- 面接に合格する (Mensetsu ni goukaku suru)
- To pass the interview.
3. Syntactic Patterns
The most common pattern is [Organization] + の + 面接. For example, 'ABC社の面接' (ABC Company's interview). Another common pattern is [Purpose] + のための + 面接 (An interview for the purpose of...).
When describing the experience, Japanese speakers often use adverbs to qualify the atmosphere. For example, '和やかな面接' (nagonaka na mensetsu - a peaceful/friendly interview) or '重苦しい面接' (omokurushii mensetsu - a heavy/stifling interview). Because mensetsu is a formal event, the surrounding language should ideally be in Desu/Masu form or higher Keigo.
You will encounter 面接 in several distinct environments, each with its own set of expectations and sub-vocabulary. Understanding these contexts helps in predicting the type of Japanese you will need to use.
1. Corporate and Job Hunting (Shuukatsu)
This is the most frequent context. From career centers at universities to LinkedIn-style platforms in Japan (like Rikunabi or Mynavi), the word is ubiquitous. You will hear it in announcements: '面接室にお入りください' (Please enter the interview room).
2. Educational Institutions
Entrance exams for private schools, universities, and vocational colleges often include a mensetsu component. Here, the focus is on the student's motivation (志望動機 - shibou douki) and their fit for the school's culture.
3. Government and Administrative Offices
When applying for certain visas, permanent residency, or specific government licenses, an official mensetsu may be required. These are typically very dry, factual, and highly formal.
4. Media and News
While a celebrity interview is an intabyuu, a news report about a company's hiring practices or a political candidate being 'vetted' by a committee will use mensetsu. It implies a level of scrutiny that intabyuu lacks.
5. Part-time Jobs (Arubaito)
Even for simple roles like working at a convenience store, the initial meeting is called a mensetsu. However, the atmosphere is significantly less formal than a 'seishain' (full-time employee) interview.
Despite its straightforward meaning, learners often stumble on the nuances of 面接. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
- Confusing with 'Interview' (Journalism): Don't use mensetsu if you want to say 'I interviewed a famous author for my blog.' In that case, use インタビュー (intabyuu) or 取材 (shuzai). Mensetsu is specifically for evaluation/hiring.
- Wrong Particle Usage: Learners often say '面接をします' when they mean they are the candidate. While not grammatically 'wrong,' it sounds like you are the one hiring. Use 面接を受けます (mensetsu o ukemasu) to be clear you are the applicant.
- Mixing up 'Mensetsu' and 'Kaigi': A kaigi is a meeting among peers or colleagues to discuss business. A mensetsu is a one-way or two-way evaluation. You don't have a mensetsu with your current boss to discuss a project; that's a 面談 (mendan) or 打ち合わせ (uchiawase).
- Inappropriate Register: Because a mensetsu is formal, using casual language (Tame-guchi) when talking about it in a professional setting can be seen as a lack of awareness of the word's weight.
- Kanji Confusion: Be careful not to confuse 面 (face) with 画 (picture) or 接 (touch) with 節 (node/season).
Japanese has several words for 'meetings' or 'interviews,' and choosing the right one is crucial for sounding natural.
- 面談 (Mendan)
- This is a 'consultation' or 'interview' that is usually less high-stakes than a mensetsu. It often happens between a teacher and a parent, or a manager and an employee for a performance review. It implies a discussion rather than a pass/fail test.
- インタビュー (Intabyuu)
- Used for media, journalism, or research. If you are asking someone questions to gather information for an article, this is the word.
- 取材 (Shuzai)
- Specifically 'collecting data' or 'covering a story.' This is the professional term used by journalists for the act of interviewing and researching.
- 会談 (Kaidan)
- A high-level 'conference' or 'talk,' usually between political leaders or top executives (e.g., a summit).
- 打ち合わせ (Uchiawase)
- A business 'briefing' or 'preliminary meeting' to coordinate details. It is much more casual than a mensetsu.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Keigo (Honorifics)
Passive voice (for being asked questions)
~tame ni (Purpose)
~mae ni (Before)
~te shimau (Regret/Accident during interview)
Ejemplos por nivel
面接は明日です。
The interview is tomorrow.
Simple [Noun] + wa + [Time] + desu structure.
面接に行きます。
I am going to an interview.
Target particle 'ni' used with the verb 'ikimasu'.
面接は何時ですか？
What time is the interview?
Question word 'nan-ji' (what time).
今日、面接があります。
I have an interview today.
Verb 'arimasu' indicates existence or possession of an event.
面接はどこですか？
Where is the interview?
Question word 'doko' (where).
面接、がんばってください。
Good luck with your interview.
Common phrase 'ganbatte kudasai' for encouragement.
面接は10時からです。
The interview starts at 10 o'clock.
Particle 'kara' means 'from'.
これは面接の服です。
These are clothes for an interview.
Particle 'no' connects the purpose to the object.
面接はとても緊張しました。
I was very nervous during the interview.
Past tense of 'kinchou suru'.
面接で何を聞かれましたか？
What were you asked in the interview?
Passive form 'kikaremashita' (was asked).
面接の練習をしましょう。
Let's practice for the interview.
Volitional form 'shimashou'.
面接官は優しい人でした。
The interviewer was a kind person.
Compound noun 'mensetsukan' (interviewer).
アルバイトの面接を受けます。
I will take an interview for a part-time job.
Verb 'ukeru' is the standard for taking an interview.
面接に遅れないでください。
Please don't be late for the interview.
Negative request form 'naide kudasai'.
面接は30分ぐらいでした。
The interview was about 30 minutes.
Counter 'pun' + 'gurai' (about).
面接の結果は来週です。
The result of the interview is next week.
Noun 'kekka' (result).
面接のために、新しいスーツを買いました。
I bought a new suit for the interview.
'~no tame ni' indicates purpose.
面接で自分の長所を話しました。
I talked about my strengths in the interview.
Noun 'chousho' (strengths).
面接の前に、会社のウェブサイトを見ました。
Before the interview, I looked at the company's website.
'~no mae ni' (before).
緊張して、面接でうまく話せませんでした。
I was nervous and couldn't speak well in the interview.
Potential negative form 'hanasemasen deshita'.
面接の連絡がメールで来ました。
The notification for the interview came by email.
Particle 'de' indicates the means (email).
次の面接はいつか教えてください。
Please tell me when the next interview is.
Embedded question 'itsu ka'.
面接では敬語を使わなければなりません。
You must use polite language in an interview.
'~nakereba narimasen' (must).
ズームで面接を受けるのは初めてです。
It's my first time taking an interview over Zoom.
Nominalizing 'ukeru' with 'no'.
一次面接を通過して、二次面接に進みました。
I passed the first interview and moved on to the second.
Verb 'tsuuka suru' (to pass/clear).
面接官の質問の意図を汲み取ることが大切だ。
It is important to grasp the intent of the interviewer's questions.
Phrase 'ito o kumitoru' (to grasp intent).
集団面接では、他の人の意見も聞く必要があります。
In a group interview, you need to listen to others' opinions as well.
Compound noun 'shuudan mensetsu'.
面接でのマナーが合否に大きく影響します。
Manners during the interview greatly affect the outcome.
Noun 'gouhi' (pass/fail result).
彼は面接で堂々と自分の意見を述べた。
He stated his opinion confidently in the interview.
Adverb 'dou-dou to' (confidently/majestically).
面接の最後に「何か質問はありますか」と聞かれた。
At the end of the interview, I was asked, 'Do you have any questions?'
Quotation particle 'to' with passive 'kikareta'.
志望動機を面接で論理的に説明した。
I explained my motivation for applying logically in the interview.
Adverb 'ronriteki ni' (logically).
圧迫面接に耐えられる精神力が必要です。
Mental strength to withstand a stress interview is necessary.
Compound noun 'appaku mensetsu'.
面接官は、応募者の潜在能力を見極めようとしている。
The interviewer is trying to discern the applicant's potential.
Verb 'mikiwameru' (to discern/see through).
面接における非言語コミュニケーションの重要性は高い。
The importance of non-verbal communication in interviews is high.
Formal particle 'ni okeru' (in/at).
最終面接では、社長自らが面接を行うことが多い。
In the final interview, the president often conducts the interview themselves.
Adverb 'mizukara' (oneself).
面接の評価基準が不透明であるという批判がある。
There is criticism that the evaluation criteria for interviews are opaque.
Noun 'hyouka kijun' (evaluation criteria).
模擬面接を繰り返すことで、受け答えがスムーズになった。
By repeating mock interviews, my responses became smoother.
Compound noun 'mogi mensetsu' (mock interview).
面接では、謙虚さと自己PRのバランスが難しい。
In an interview, the balance between humility and self-promotion is difficult.
Noun 'kenkyo' (humility) and 'jiko PR'.
オンライン面接の普及により、地方の学生も不利ではなくなった。
With the spread of online interviews, students in rural areas are no longer at a disadvantage.
Noun 'fukyuu' (spread/diffusion).
面接での発言が、後に契約の条件として考慮されることもある。
Statements made in an interview may later be considered as conditions of the contract.
Passive potential 'kouryo sareru'.
面接という儀式を通じて、組織への帰属意識が醸成される。
Through the ritual of the interview, a sense of belonging to the organization is fostered.
Verb 'jousei sareru' (to be fostered/brewed).
構造化面接を導入することで、採用のバイアスを排除する試みがなされている。
Attempts are being made to eliminate hiring bias by introducing structured interviews.
Compound 'kouzouka mensetsu' (structured interview).
面接官の主観的な評価が、企業の多様性を阻害する要因になり得る。
Subjective evaluations by interviewers can be a factor that hinders corporate diversity.
Verb 'sogai suru' (to hinder/obstruct).
就職活動における面接の過度な重視は、学業の疎かさを招いている。
The excessive emphasis on interviews in job hunting is leading to the neglect of academic studies.
Phrase 'osokara o manaku' (to lead to neglect).
面接でのパフォーマンスが実務能力と必ずしも相関しないという統計的データがある。
There is statistical data showing that interview performance does not necessarily correlate with practical ability.
Verb 'soukan suru' (to correlate).
面接における沈黙の時間は、文化圏によって異なる解釈をされる。
The duration of silence in an interview is interpreted differently depending on the culture.
Noun 'kaishaku' (interpretation).
AIによる面接評価システムの妥当性については、現在も議論が続いている。
The validity of AI-based interview evaluation systems is still being debated.
Noun 'dadousei' (validity).
面接は、単なる選考の場ではなく、企業理念を浸透させる広報の場でもある。
An interview is not just a place for selection, but also a public relations venue to instill corporate philosophy.
Verb 'shintou saseru' (to instill/permeate).
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Used for media/journalism, not hiring.
Less formal, often a consultation or review.
A general business meeting among colleagues.
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Use 'ukeru' if you are the applicant.
Very common in business Japanese (e.g., 面接官, 面接日).
- Using 'mensetsu' for a celebrity interview.
- Saying 'mensetsu o suru' when you are the applicant.
- Forgetting to use Keigo during the interview.
- Wearing casual clothes to a 'mensetsu'.
- Arriving exactly on time instead of early.
Consejos
Bowing
Bow at 30 degrees when entering the room and 45 degrees when leaving.
Keigo
Use 'Watakushi' instead of 'Watashi' to sound more professional.
Research
Research the company's 'rinen' (philosophy) before the interview.
Posture
Sit up straight and don't cross your legs.
Arrival
Arrive at the building 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Thank You
Sending a thank-you email after the interview is a nice touch.
Suit
Wear a clean, ironed suit, usually in dark colors.
Calmness
Take deep breaths; it's okay to take a moment before answering.
Documents
Bring a copy of your resume (rirekisho) in a clear folder.
Leaving
Don't forget to say 'Shitsurei itashimashita' before closing the door.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Japanese origin. Originally meant meeting face-to-face, evolved into the modern sense of a formal evaluation in the Meiji era.
Contexto cultural
The use of humble and honorific Japanese is non-negotiable.
Arriving exactly 5-10 minutes early is mandatory.
Standardized attire for students during job hunting.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"面接はどうでしたか？ (How was the interview?)"
"面接の準備はできましたか？ (Are you ready for the interview?)"
"どんな面接の質問が難しいですか？ (What kind of interview questions are difficult?)"
"面接で緊張しない方法はありますか？ (Is there a way to not get nervous in an interview?)"
"次の面接はいつですか？ (When is your next interview?)"
Temas para diario
Write about your most memorable interview experience.
Describe how you prepare for a formal meeting in Japanese.
Compare interviews in your country with Japanese 'mensetsu'.
What are your strengths that you would mention in an interview?
How did you feel after your last interview?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is also used for school admissions and official certifications.
Usually 'mendan' or 'uchiawase' is better unless it's a formal promotion interview.
A 'stress interview' where the interviewer is intentionally mean or difficult.
In Japan, a suit is expected for almost all professional interviews.
'Mensetsu' is for evaluation; 'intabyuu' is for information gathering.
'Mensetsu ni goukaku shimashita' or 'Mensetsu ni ukarimashita'.
Yes, 'mensetsu suru' means to conduct an interview.
It is called 'shuudan mensetsu'.
No, use 'mensetsu o okonau' or 'mensetsu suru'.
Yes, but it still refers to a formal event.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
面接 (Mensetsu) is more than just a meeting; it is a high-stakes cultural ritual in Japan that requires specific linguistic and behavioral codes to navigate successfully, whether for a part-time job or a corporate career.
- Mensetsu is the standard Japanese word for a formal interview, used primarily for jobs and academic admissions.
- It is a noun that combines 'face' and 'contact,' highlighting the importance of in-person evaluation in Japan.
- The word is distinct from 'intabyuu,' which is used for media or journalistic purposes rather than evaluation.
- Mastering 'mensetsu' involves understanding the associated etiquette, such as bowing and using formal Keigo.
Bowing
Bow at 30 degrees when entering the room and 45 degrees when leaving.
Keigo
Use 'Watakushi' instead of 'Watashi' to sound more professional.
Research
Research the company's 'rinen' (philosophy) before the interview.
Posture
Sit up straight and don't cross your legs.
Ejemplo
明日面接があります。
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調整
A1El acto de ajustar o coordinar algo para lograr un equilibrio. Se usa para configuraciones técnicas o para organizar horarios entre personas.
有利な
B1Es una situación ventajosa para la empresa.
承知する
B1Reconocer o aceptar formalmente una instrucción o hecho.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1Solicitar un empleo o participar en un concurso. Responder a una convocatoria pública.
応募する
B1Postularse para un trabajo o participar en un concurso.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
勤怠
B1El término 勤怠 (kintai) se refiere al registro de asistencia de un empleado en el trabajo, incluyendo su presencia, ausencia, puntualidad y ausencias. Es un aspecto crucial de la responsabilidad profesional en Japón. La empresa utiliza estos registros para la gestión de horas de trabajo y la nómina.
係員
A2Encargado, asistente, empleado. Se utiliza para el personal de estaciones, museos o eventos.
ぎんこういん
A2Empleado de banco. Persona que trabaja en una entidad financiera atendiendo al público.
