At the A1 level, you should understand that 昇進する (shoushin suru) is a word about work. Even if you cannot use it in complex sentences, you should recognize it as 'getting a better job title.' Think of it as 'leveling up' in a game, but for your career. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning: Work + Up = 昇進. You might see it in simple textbook dialogues where someone says 'Omedetou!' (Congratulations) because their friend got a promotion. Remember that the 'shou' part means 'up' and 'shin' means 'move forward.' It is a formal word, so you might not use it with your closest friends while hanging out, but you will see it in any story about an office.
At the A2 level, you can start to use 昇進する in simple sentences using the '~shimasu' or '~shimashita' forms. You should learn that the person who is promoted is marked with 'ga' or 'wa,' and the new job title is marked with 'ni.' For example, 'Tanaka-san wa kachou ni shoushin shimashita.' You can also use it to express your own goals: 'Watashi wa shoushin shitai desu' (I want to be promoted). You should also be able to recognize the difference between 昇進 (promotion) and 昇給 (pay raise), as both are common topics in workplace conversations. Understanding this word helps you follow basic stories about people's lives and careers in Japan.
At the B1 level, which is the level of this word, you should be able to use 昇進する in various grammatical structures. You should understand the potential form (shoushin dekiru), the conditional form (shoushin shitara), and the negative form (shoushin shinakatta). You can now describe the *reason* for a promotion using 'node' or 'kara,' such as 'Isshoukenmei hataraita node, shoushin shimashita' (I worked hard, so I was promoted). You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'shoushin no oiwai' (promotion celebration) and 'shoushin shiken' (promotion exam). This level requires you to use the word naturally in professional contexts, such as during a job interview or a performance review.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 昇進する compared to its synonyms like 昇格 (shoukaku) and 栄転 (eiten). You should be able to discuss the social and corporate implications of promotion in Japan, such as the shift from seniority-based systems to merit-based systems. You can use the causative form 'shoushin saseru' to describe a manager promoting a subordinate. You should also be able to understand more complex sentences in news reports or business articles, such as 'Josei no shoushin wo sokushin suru' (Promoting the advancement of women). Your ability to use the word should extend to formal writing, such as business emails and reports, where accuracy in terminology is essential.
At the C1 level, you can use 昇進する to discuss abstract concepts and systemic issues. You might analyze the 'glass ceiling' (garasu no tenjou) and why certain groups find it harder to 昇進する in traditional Japanese firms. You should be comfortable using the word in high-level debates or academic-style writing about labor economics or organizational psychology. You can also use the word in sophisticated idioms and metaphors. Your understanding of the word's etymology (the kanji 昇 and 進) allows you to appreciate its formal weight. You should also be able to navigate the subtle social dynamics involved in promotions, such as how to congratulate a superior on their promotion using humble and honorific language (keigo).
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 昇進する and can use it with absolute precision in any context. You can distinguish between the technical, legal, and social definitions of promotion in various industries. You might use the word in a speech at a corporate gala or in a published article about corporate governance. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how it reflects changes in Japanese society over the decades. You can effortlessly switch between 昇進する and its most formal or literary alternatives depending on the audience. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing complex ideas about hierarchy, achievement, and the structure of modern Japanese life.

昇進する en 30 segundos

  • 昇進する (shoushin suru) means to get a promotion in a professional setting.
  • It is a formal suru-verb used specifically for moving up the corporate ladder.
  • The target position is marked with the particle 'ni' (e.g., kachou ni shoushin).
  • It differs from 'shoukyuu' (pay raise) and 'shusse' (general life success).

The Japanese verb 昇進する (shoushin suru) is a formal and professional term that translates directly to 'to be promoted' or 'to advance in rank.' It is composed of two powerful kanji characters: 昇 (shou), which means to ascend, rise, or go up, and 進 (shin), which means to advance, proceed, or move forward. When combined with the functional verb する (suru), it describes the specific event of an employee moving to a higher position within a company hierarchy. This word is the standard term used in business settings, formal announcements, and news reports regarding career advancement.

Professional Context
In the Japanese corporate world, 昇進する is the most common way to describe a formal step up the ladder, such as moving from a regular employee to a manager (kachou) or from a manager to a department head (buchou). It implies an official change in title and responsibility.

彼は入社五年目で課長に昇進することになった。
(He is set to be promoted to manager in his fifth year with the company.)

Understanding the nuance of 昇進する requires an awareness of Japanese work culture. Historically, Japanese companies operated on the 'nenkou joretsu' (seniority) system, where promotion was largely based on years of service. However, in modern Japan, 昇進する is increasingly linked to performance-based evaluations (seikashugi). Therefore, the word now carries a stronger connotation of individual achievement and recognized merit than it might have thirty years ago.

Grammatical Usage
The word is a noun-verb (suru-verb). The person being promoted is the subject (ga), and the target position is marked with the particle 'ni' (に). For example: 'Tanaka-san ga kachou ni shoushin suru.'

努力が認められ、ついに部長に昇進した
(My efforts were recognized, and I was finally promoted to department head.)

In conversation, you might also hear the term 'shusse' (出世), which is more colloquial and refers to 'getting ahead in the world' or 'success in life' in a broader sense. 昇進する remains the precise, technical term for a job promotion. It is used in HR documents, formal emails, and when discussing career paths objectively. It is also used in passive forms (shoushin saseru - to promote someone) when the subject is the company or a boss.

Social Implications
Being promoted in Japan often comes with increased social status and expectations of longer hours or more responsibility toward subordinates. Thus, 昇進する is often met with both congratulations (omedetou gozaimasu) and words of encouragement for the hard work ahead.

Using 昇進する correctly involves mastering its conjugation as a suru-verb and understanding the particles that connect it to the rest of the sentence. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in the polite form (~shimasu) or the past tense (~shimashita) in professional contexts. It is also common to see it in the potential form (~shoushin dekiru) when discussing career possibilities.

Target Position (NI)
The most important particle to remember is 'ni' (に). This marks the destination or the new rank. If you are being promoted to manager, you say 'kachou ni shoushin suru'.

来月、マネージャーに昇進する予定です。
(I am scheduled to be promoted to manager next month.)

When discussing the *reason* for a promotion, you use the particle 'de' (で) or the phrase 'ni yotte' (によって). For example, 'Kouseki de shoushin suru' (to be promoted because of one's achievements). This allows you to provide context for the career advancement.

Negative and Conditional Forms
In the competitive work environment, you might discuss the difficulty of promotion. 'Shoushin shinai' (won't be promoted) or 'shoushin shitakereba' (if you want to be promoted) are essential structures for career discussions.

この会社で昇進するのは簡単ではありません。
(It is not easy to get promoted at this company.)

Finally, consider the use of the noun form 昇進 (shoushin) on its own. It is often combined with other nouns to create compound terms like 'shoushin shiken' (promotion exam) or 'shoushin iwai' (promotion celebration). Using these compounds shows a higher level of fluency.

昇進する is a staple of the Japanese office landscape. You will encounter it most frequently in professional settings, media depictions of the working world, and formal social interactions. It is not a word you would typically use with children or in very casual hobbies, as it specifically pertains to the hierarchy of employment.

In the Office
HR announcements are the most common place to see this word. An email might go out to the whole department: 'Sato-san ga jichou ni shoushin shimashita' (Mr. Sato has been promoted to deputy director). It is also used during annual reviews when discussing goals.

同期の中で彼が一番早く昇進した
(He was the first among our group of hires to be promoted.)

In Japanese TV dramas, particularly 'business dramas' like 'Hanzawa Naoki,' the word 昇進する is used to drive the plot. Characters often struggle, compete, or sacrifice personal lives specifically to be promoted. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of ambition and sometimes the dark side of corporate competition.

Formal Social Gatherings
At a 'nomikai' (drinking party) held in someone's honor, the toast will almost certainly mention their promotion. The speaker might say, 'Shoushin omedetou gozaimasu!' (Congratulations on your promotion!).

部長に昇進したお祝いに、皆で食事に行きましょう。
(Let's all go out for a meal to celebrate your promotion to department head.)

You will also find this word in career development books and self-help literature in Japan. Titles like 'How to be Promoted Quickly' (Hayaku shoushin suru tame no houhou) are common in bookstores. In these contexts, the word is associated with self-improvement and strategic networking.

While 昇進する is a relatively straightforward verb, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding or related terms. The most common error is using it in the wrong context or with the wrong particle. Because Japanese has many specific words for 'moving up,' choosing the precise one is key to sounding natural.

Confusing 昇進 and 昇給
Learners often say 'shoushin' when they mean they got a raise. 昇進 (shoushin) is about the title/rank, while 昇給 (shoukyuu) is about the money. You can have a shoukyuu without a shoushin, and occasionally a shoushin with no immediate shoukyuu!

❌ 給料が上がったので、昇進しました
✅ 給料が上がったので、昇給しました
(Correction: Use shoukyuu for salary increases.)

Another mistake is using 昇進する for school contexts. If a student moves from 1st grade to 2nd grade, the word is 進級する (shinkyuu suru). Using 昇進する in a school setting sounds like the student has been made a manager of the classroom, which is confusing.

Misusing 出世 (Shusse)
While often translated as 'promotion,' shusse is more about the overall success of a person's life or career. You wouldn't say 'I was shusse-ed to manager.' You would say 'I shoushin-ed to manager.'

❌ 彼は課長に出世した。
✅ 彼は課長に昇進した
(Shusse is better for 'He is a successful man' - Kare wa shusse shita hito da.)

Finally, be careful with the word 栄転 (eiten). This specifically refers to a promotion that involves a transfer to a different branch or office. If you stay in the same office but get a higher rank, 昇進する is the correct word. Using 栄転 when there is no transfer can be misleading.

To truly master Japanese business vocabulary, you need to understand the field of synonyms surrounding 昇進する. Each word has a specific nuance based on the type of movement and the formality of the situation. Choosing the right one demonstrates a high level of cultural and linguistic awareness.

昇格 (Shoukaku)
This word means 'elevation of status' or 'promotion in grade.' While shoushin is about the job title (e.g., Manager), shoukaku is about the internal ranking system (e.g., Grade 3 to Grade 4). In many companies, your shoukaku determines your base pay range.

社内試験に合格し、三級から二級へ昇格した
(I passed the internal exam and was elevated from Grade 3 to Grade 2.)

Another interesting alternative is 栄転 (eiten). This is a 'congratulatory transfer.' It implies that the person is being moved to a more prestigious location or a higher post in a different branch. It is a very positive word often used in formal greetings when a colleague leaves the office for a better position elsewhere.

出世 (Shusse)
As mentioned before, shusse is broader. It covers a person's entire life trajectory. A person who started as a delivery boy and became a CEO is said to have 'shusse shita.' It is less about a single promotion and more about 'making it big.'

彼は若くして出世した
(He rose to success at a young age.)

For more casual or modern settings, you might hear the katakana terms ステップアップ (step up) or キャリアアップ (career up). These are often used when someone changes companies to get a better position. 昇進する is strictly for staying within the same organization.

抜擢 (Batteki)
This means 'to be selected' or 'plucked out' for a special promotion, often skipping ranks. It implies that the person was chosen specifically for their talent over others who might have more seniority.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The kanji 昇 (shou) originally depicted the sun rising over a person, symbolizing the act of ascending or going up toward the light.

Guía de pronunciación

UK ɕoː.ɕiɴ.su.ɾɯ
US ʃoʊ.ʃin.su.ru
Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'shoushin', the pitch typically stays relatively flat/high after the first syllable.
Rima con
koushin (更新 - renewal) oushin (往診 - house call) moushin (盲信 - blind faith) houshin (方針 - policy) koushin (行進 - march) joushin (上申 - report to superior) toushin (答申 - report) shinshun (新春 - new spring)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'shoushin' as 'shoshin' (which means beginner).
  • Failing to elongate the 'o' in 'shou'.
  • Confusing the 'n' in 'shin' with an 'm' sound.
  • Stressing the 'ru' at the end too heavily.
  • Pronouncing the 'u' in 'su' too clearly (it is often devoiced).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge to read correctly in context.

Escritura 4/5

Writing the kanji 昇 and 進 requires practice with stroke order.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy once the long vowel is mastered.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with 'shoshin' (beginner) if not listening carefully.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

会社 仕事 社長 頑張る 上がる

Aprende después

昇給 昇格 栄転 役職 人事

Avanzado

年功序列 成果主義 適材適所 キャリアパス

Gramática que debes saber

Suru-verbs

昇進する、勉強する、掃除する

Target Particle 'Ni'

課長になる、部長に昇進する

Causative Form (~saseru)

彼を昇進させる (Promote him)

Passive Form (~sareru)

昇進させられる (To be promoted - often used for 'forced' upward moves)

Nominalization with 'No' or 'Koto'

昇進することは難しい (Promoting is hard)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

田中さんは昇進しました。

Mr. Tanaka was promoted.

Past tense of a suru-verb.

2

昇進、おめでとう!

Congratulations on your promotion!

Noun form used as a greeting.

3

私は昇進したいです。

I want to be promoted.

Desire form (~tai).

4

彼は来月、昇進します。

He will be promoted next month.

Future/Present polite form.

5

昇進は嬉しいですか?

Are you happy about the promotion?

Question form.

6

父が昇進しました。

My father was promoted.

Subject 'chichi' (father).

7

昇進のパーティーがあります。

There is a promotion party.

Possessive particle 'no'.

8

彼女は昇進しませんでした。

She was not promoted.

Negative past tense.

1

彼は課長に昇進しました。

He was promoted to manager.

Target marked with 'ni'.

2

仕事を頑張れば、昇進できます。

If you work hard, you can be promoted.

Potential form 'dekiru'.

3

昇進のお祝いに花をあげました。

I gave flowers to celebrate the promotion.

Particle 'ni' for purpose.

4

いつ昇進するか分かりません。

I don't know when I will be promoted.

Embedded question with 'ka'.

5

昇進するために勉強しています。

I am studying in order to be promoted.

Purpose form 'tame ni'.

6

彼女の昇進は早かったです。

Her promotion was fast.

Adjective 'hayai' modifying the noun.

7

昇進して、給料が上がりました。

I was promoted and my salary went up.

Te-form for sequence.

8

誰が昇進するのですか?

Who is going to be promoted?

Explanatory 'no desu'.

1

努力が認められて昇進するのは素晴らしいことです。

It is a wonderful thing to be promoted because your efforts were recognized.

Nominalizing a clause with 'no'.

2

昇進試験に合格しなければなりません。

I must pass the promotion exam.

Must form 'nakereba narimasen'.

3

彼は同期の中で最も早く昇進したと言われている。

It is said that he was promoted the fastest among his peers.

Passive reporting 'iwarete iru'.

4

昇進すれば責任も重くなります。

If you are promoted, your responsibilities will also become heavier.

Conditional 'ba' form.

5

彼女が昇進したというニュースを聞きました。

I heard the news that she was promoted.

Noun complement clause.

6

部長に昇進するのは来月からの予定です。

The promotion to department head is scheduled to start next month.

Noun phrase followed by 'yotei'.

7

昇進の話がありましたが、断りました。

There was talk of a promotion, but I turned it down.

Adversative 'ga' (but).

8

今の会社で昇進するチャンスはありますか?

Is there a chance for promotion at your current company?

Noun 'chansu' (chance).

1

成果主義の導入により、若手でも昇進しやすくなった。

With the introduction of meritocracy, it has become easier even for young employees to be promoted.

Compound adjective 'yasui' (easy to).

2

会社は彼を次期部長に昇進させることを決定した。

The company decided to promote him to the next department head.

Causative form 'saseru'.

3

昇進に伴い、転勤を命じられることも珍しくない。

Along with a promotion, it is not uncommon to be ordered to transfer.

Grammar 'ni tomonai' (along with).

4

昇進を断る人が増えているという社会背景がある。

There is a social background where the number of people refusing promotions is increasing.

Relative clause modifying 'shakai haikei'.

5

彼は実力だけで現在の地位まで昇進してきた。

He has been promoted to his current position based on ability alone.

Te-kuru form indicating progression.

6

昇進の基準が不透明だという不満が出ている。

Complaints are emerging that the criteria for promotion are opaque.

Noun 'kijun' (criteria).

7

女性の昇進を妨げる「ガラスの天井」を打破すべきだ。

We should break the 'glass ceiling' that prevents women from being promoted.

Should form 'beki da'.

8

スピード昇進を果たした彼は、社内の注目を集めている。

Having achieved a speedy promotion, he is attracting attention within the company.

Compound noun 'speed shoushin'.

1

組織の若返りを図るため、ベテランを昇進させて経営陣に加えた。

In order to rejuvenate the organization, veterans were promoted and added to the management team.

Causative te-form.

2

昇進という形での報酬は、金銭的報酬以上の動機付けになる場合がある。

Reward in the form of promotion can sometimes be a greater motivator than monetary reward.

Noun 'shoushin' as a topic.

3

彼は不当な理由で昇進を見送られたとして、会社を訴えた。

He sued the company, claiming his promotion was passed over for unfair reasons.

Passive 'miokurareru' (to be passed over).

4

昇進に伴う権限の拡大は、同時に重い社会的責任を伴う。

The expansion of authority accompanying a promotion simultaneously entails heavy social responsibility.

Formal academic tone.

5

日本企業における昇進の構造は、近年劇的な変化を遂げている。

The structure of promotion in Japanese companies has undergone dramatic changes in recent years.

Verb 'togeru' (to achieve/undergo).

6

昇進がゴールではなく、そこから何を残すかが重要である。

Promotion is not the goal; what matters is what you leave behind from that point.

Contrastive 'de wa naku'.

7

彼は政治的な駆け引きを駆使して、異例の速さで昇進した。

He used political maneuvering to get promoted at an unusual speed.

Complex adverbial phrase.

8

昇進を機に、仕事に対する価値観が大きく変わった。

Taking the promotion as an opportunity, my values regarding work changed significantly.

Grammar 'wo ki ni' (taking as an opportunity).

1

昇進制度の形骸化は、組織の活力を削ぐ一因となり得る。

The hollowing out of the promotion system can be a factor that undermines organizational vitality.

Potential 'uru' (can/be possible).

2

年功序列から成果主義への移行は、昇進の定義そのものを変容させた。

The transition from seniority to meritocracy has transformed the very definition of promotion.

Noun 'henyou' (transformation).

3

彼は昇進の階段を駆け上がる過程で、多くの敵を作ってしまった。

In the process of rushing up the ladder of promotion, he ended up making many enemies.

Metaphorical use of 'kaidan' (stairs).

4

昇進の是非を巡る議論は、常に公平性の問題を孕んでいる。

Discussions surrounding the pros and cons of promotion always harbor issues of fairness.

Grammar 'wo meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

5

組織内での昇進は、個人のアイデンティティ形成に多大な影響を及ぼす。

Promotion within an organization exerts a significant influence on an individual's identity formation.

Verb 'oyobosu' (to exert/cause).

6

昇進の機会を均等に提供することは、企業の社会的責務である。

Providing equal opportunities for promotion is a corporate social responsibility.

Formal 'sekimu' (duty).

7

彼は昇進を渇望するあまり、倫理的な一線を越えてしまった。

He desired promotion so much that he crossed an ethical line.

Grammar 'amari' (so much that).

8

昇進という現象を社会学的視点から考察すると、興味深い知見が得られる。

Considering the phenomenon of promotion from a sociological perspective yields interesting insights.

Conditional 'to' for natural result.

Colocaciones comunes

課長に昇進する
昇進試験を受ける
スピード昇進
昇進の機会
昇進を祝う
昇進を断る
昇進の基準
異例の昇進
昇進の挨拶
昇進が決まる

Frases Comunes

昇進おめでとうございます

— Standard formal way to congratulate someone on a promotion.

部長、この度は昇進おめでとうございます。

昇進の話がある

— To have talk or rumors about an upcoming promotion.

彼に昇進の話があるらしいよ。

昇進コースに乗る

— To be on the 'fast track' for promotions within a company.

彼はエリートで、完全に昇進コースに乗っている。

トントン拍子に昇進する

— To be promoted rapidly and smoothly without any hitches.

彼はトントン拍子に昇進して役員になった。

昇進が見送られる

— To have one's promotion postponed or passed over.

残念ながら、彼の昇進は見送られた。

昇進の望みがない

— To have no hope of being promoted.

この古い体質の会社では昇進の望みがない。

同期で一番の昇進

— Being the first among one's hiring group to be promoted.

彼は同期で一番の昇進頭だ。

昇進の内示を受ける

— To receive unofficial/private notice of a promotion before it is public.

昨日、部長から昇進の内示を受けた。

昇進をエサにする

— To use a promotion as a 'carrot' or bait to make someone work harder.

上司は昇進をエサに無理な仕事を押し付けてくる。

昇進に興味がない

— To not be interested in being promoted.

最近は昇進に興味がない若者が増えている。

Se confunde a menudo con

昇進する vs 初心 (Shoshin)

Means 'beginner' or 'original intention.' Sounds similar but has a short 'o'.

昇進する vs 昇給 (Shoukyuu)

Specifically means a salary increase, not necessarily a change in rank.

昇進する vs 進級 (Shinkyuu)

Used for moving up a grade in school, never for jobs.

Modismos y expresiones

"出世街道を走る"

— To be on the high road to success and promotion.

彼はエリート官僚として出世街道を走っている。

Formal/Metaphorical
"うなぎ登りに昇進する"

— To rise rapidly like an eel climbing up (very fast promotion).

彼の評判はうなぎ登りで、昇進も早い。

Colloquial
"階段を駆け上がる"

— To rush up the stairs (to be promoted very quickly).

彼は若くして出世の階段を駆け上がった。

Literary
"日の目を見る"

— To finally see the light of day (to have one's efforts finally recognized with a promotion).

長年の努力がようやく日の目を見て、昇進が決まった。

General
"一旗揚げる"

— To raise one's flag (to go to a big city or company and succeed/get promoted).

東京で一旗揚げて、部長まで昇進した。

Old-fashioned
"錦を飾る"

— To return home in glory (often after a big promotion).

昇進して故郷に錦を飾ることができた。

Formal
"牙城を崩す"

— To break down a stronghold (to get promoted into a high position previously held by a rival group).

彼はついに保守派の牙城を崩し、役員に昇進した。

Political/Business
"頭角を現す"

— To show one's true ability and stand out (leading to promotion).

彼は入社後すぐに頭角を現し、異例の速さで昇進した。

Formal
"青雲の志"

— Ambition to rise high in the world (to seek promotion and status).

彼は青雲の志を抱いて、必死に昇進を目指した。

Literary
"鯉の滝登り"

— A carp climbing a waterfall (symbol of great success and promotion).

彼のキャリアはまさに鯉の滝登りのようだ。

Traditional

Fácil de confundir

昇進する vs 昇格

Both involve moving up at work.

Shoushin is about job title; Shoukaku is about internal grade/rank system.

部長に昇進し、七級に昇格した。

昇進する vs 出世

Both mean 'getting ahead.'

Shusse is broader and more personal; Shoushin is a specific event in a company.

彼は若くして出世した。

昇進する vs 栄転

Both are positive career moves.

Eiten always involves a transfer to a different location.

大阪支店へ栄転した。

昇進する vs 採用

Both are HR actions.

Saiyou is being hired; Shoushin is moving up after being hired.

採用されて三年で昇進した。

昇進する vs 抜擢

Both involve getting a new job.

Batteki implies being specifically chosen/plucked out for a special role.

新人がリーダーに抜擢された。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Person] wa shoushin shimashita.

Tanaka-san wa shoushin shimashita.

A2

[Position] ni shoushin suru.

Kachou ni shoushin suru.

B1

[Reason] de shoushin suru.

Kouseki de shoushin suru.

B1

Shoushin shitai desu.

Hayaku shoushin shitai desu.

B2

[Company] wa [Person] wo shoushin saseru.

Kaisha wa kare wo shoushin saseta.

B2

Shoushin no chansu ga aru.

Shoushin no chansu ga aru yo.

C1

Shoushin wo miokurareru.

Kare wa shoushin wo miokurareta.

C2

Shoushin seido no henkou.

Shoushin seido no henkou wo kentou suru.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

昇進 (Promotion)
昇進者 (Person promoted)
昇進試験 (Promotion exam)

Verbos

昇進させる (To promote someone)
昇進できる (To be able to be promoted)

Relacionado

昇格 (Shoukaku)
昇給 (Shoukyuu)
栄転 (Eiten)
出世 (Shusse)
進級 (Shinkyuu)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in professional and adult social contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'wo' instead of 'ni'. 課長に昇進する

    The position is a destination/state, so 'ni' is required.

  • Confusing 'shoushin' with 'shoshin'. 昇進 (shoushin)

    The long 'o' is crucial. 'Shoshin' means beginner.

  • Using it for school grades. 二年生に進級する

    Shoushin is only for professional hierarchies.

  • Saying 'shoushin' for a pay raise. 昇給しました

    If only the money changed, use shoukyuu.

  • Using 'shusse' for a specific title change. 課長に昇進した

    Shusse is too broad for a specific job title change.

Consejos

Check your Particles

Always use 'ni' for the position. Using 'wo' will make it sound like you are doing something to the promotion itself, which is incorrect.

Seniority vs Merit

In Japan, age still plays a role. If you are promoted over someone older, be extra humble to maintain office harmony.

Know your Synonyms

Use 'Eiten' if the person is moving to a new city for their promotion. It sounds more professional and specific.

Long O Sound

Make sure to hold the 'shou' for two beats. 'Shoushin' (Promotion) vs 'Shoshin' (Beginner) is a common mistake.

Kanji Meaning

Focus on the 'rise' (昇) and 'advance' (進) kanji. They appear in many other useful words like 昇る (to climb) and 進む (to go forward).

Celebration Etiquette

If a colleague is promoted, it is common to chip in for a small gift or a group dinner.

HR Documents

When reading your contract or company handbook, look for the section on 昇進基準 (promotion criteria).

Context Clues

If you hear 'Omedetou' and 'Kachou' in the same sentence, the person is almost certainly talking about a promotion.

JLPT Tip

This word frequently appears in the N3 and N2 levels of the JLPT. Memorize it along with its 'suru' usage.

Don't use for school

Remember: Shoushin = Job. Shinkyuu = School. Never mix them up!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'SHOU' as a 'SHOW' where you are the star rising up, and 'SHIN' as 'SHINing' your way forward into a new office.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person walking up a staircase ('shou') and stepping into a bright room labeled 'Manager' ('shin').

Word Web

Work Manager Salary Rank Success Title Achievement Hierarchy

Desafío

Write a short paragraph about your dream job and what rank you want to 昇進する to within five years.

Origen de la palabra

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). It originated from classical Chinese texts where it referred to moving up in the bureaucratic ranks of the imperial court.

Significado original: To move upward and forward in a hierarchy.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when asking someone why they haven't been promoted; it can be a very sensitive topic related to their perceived worth in the company.

In English, 'promotion' is almost always seen as positive. In Japan, some employees (especially 'soshoku-kei' or herbivore types) may view 昇進する as a burden of extra meetings and responsibility.

Hanzawa Naoki (TV Drama where promotion is a life-and-death struggle). Salaryman Kintaro (Manga/Anime about a biker who rises in the corporate world). Kacho Kosaku Shima (Famous manga detailing a man's entire career path of promotions).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Office / Workplace

  • 昇進おめでとう
  • 次の昇進はいつ?
  • 昇進試験がある
  • 課長に昇進した

News / Media

  • 女性の昇進率
  • 異例の昇進
  • 経営陣への昇進
  • 昇進の構造

Career Counseling

  • 昇進を目指す
  • 昇進の可能性
  • どうすれば昇進できる?
  • 昇進のキャリアパス

Celebrations

  • 昇進祝いの会
  • 昇進の贈り物
  • 昇進の挨拶
  • 昇進を祝して乾杯

Job Interviews

  • 昇進のスピード
  • 昇進の基準について
  • 貴社での昇進
  • 早く昇進したい

Inicios de conversación

"最近、会社で昇進した人はいますか? (Has anyone at your company been promoted recently?)"

"昇進することと、給料が上がること、どちらが大切ですか? (Which is more important: being promoted or getting a raise?)"

"日本での昇進のスピードについてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the speed of promotion in Japan?)"

"あなたは将来、どの役職まで昇進したいですか? (To what position do you want to be promoted in the future?)"

"昇進のお祝いには、何をプレゼントするのが一番いいですか? (What is the best gift for a promotion celebration?)"

Temas para diario

もし明日、社長に昇進したら、最初に何をしますか? (If you were promoted to president tomorrow, what would you do first?)

昇進するために、今あなたが努力していることは何ですか? (What are you currently working on in order to be promoted?)

昇進することのメリットとデメリットを書いてください。 (Write about the pros and cons of being promoted.)

あなたの国と日本で、昇進の基準はどう違いますか? (How do promotion criteria differ between your country and Japan?)

昇進を断ったことがある人について、どう思いますか? (What do you think about people who have turned down a promotion?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

昇進 (shoushin) is a promotion in rank or title (like becoming a manager). 昇給 (shoukyuu) is specifically an increase in salary. While they often happen at the same time, you can receive a pay raise without a new title, or vice-versa.

No, for school grades you must use 進級する (shinkyuu suru). 昇進する is strictly for professional or organizational hierarchies like companies or the military.

昇進する itself is a neutral verb. When talking to a boss about their promotion, you should use the honorific form 昇進なさいました (shoushin nasaimashita) or 昇進されました (shoushin saremashita).

You use the particle に (ni). For example: 課長に昇進する (Promoted to section manager).

It means 'speed promotion'—when someone is promoted much faster than the average employee, often due to exceptional talent.

Yes, you can say 昇進させられた (shoushin saserareta), but it often sounds like the promotion was forced on you. Usually, 昇進しました (I was promoted/I promoted) is used even when the company made the decision.

Yes. 出世 (shusse) is a general term for 'success in life' or 'rising in the world.' 昇進 (shoushin) is the technical term for a single promotion event in a company.

Many Japanese companies require employees to pass a written or oral 'promotion exam' (shoushin shiken) before they can move to a higher rank.

The most common way is '昇進おめでとうございます!' (Shoushin omedetou gozaimasu!).

Yes, but it is more common in larger organizations with clear hierarchies. In a very small shop, people might just say 'Manager became the owner' using simpler verbs.

Ponte a prueba 184 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence: 'I was promoted to manager.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Translate: 'Congratulations on your promotion!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Write a sentence: 'He wants to be promoted quickly.'

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Translate: 'I am studying for the promotion exam.'

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Write a sentence: 'The company promoted her.'

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Translate: 'There is no chance for promotion.'

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Write a sentence: 'Promotion means more responsibility.'

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Translate: 'He was the first to be promoted among his peers.'

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Write a sentence: 'I received an unofficial notice of promotion.'

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Translate: 'The promotion criteria are not clear.'

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Write a sentence: 'She turned down the promotion.'

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Translate: 'I am happy about the promotion.'

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Write a sentence: 'He was promoted because of his achievements.'

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Translate: 'Who will be promoted next?'

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Write a sentence: 'I went to a promotion party.'

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Translate: 'His promotion was a surprise.'

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Write a sentence: 'I hope to be promoted next year.'

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Translate: 'Promotion is not everything.'

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Write a sentence: 'Women's promotion is a social issue.'

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Translate: 'I was promoted to department head.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Shoushin suru' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Congratulations on your promotion!'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the difference between shoushin and shoukyuu in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I want to be promoted to manager next year.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Practice the pitch accent for 'shoushin'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'He was promoted because of his hard work.'

Read this aloud:

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Roleplay: Congratulate a senior colleague on their promotion using keigo.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'There is a promotion exam next week.'

Read this aloud:

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Say: 'I was surprised to hear about your promotion.'

Read this aloud:

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Say: 'Promotion is difficult in this company.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I am aiming for a promotion.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Is there a chance for promotion?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'She was promoted to department head.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I received a promotion notice yesterday.'

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Say: 'Let's celebrate the promotion together.'

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Say: 'The promotion criteria are strict.'

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Say: 'He turned down the promotion for his family.'

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Say: 'I am happy for your promotion.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Who was promoted?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I will work harder for the next promotion.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Tanaka-san ga kachou ni shoushin shimashita.' Who was promoted?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Shoushin iwai no paatii wa nan-ji desu ka?' What is being asked?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Shoushin shiken ni ukarimashita!' Did the person pass or fail?

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Listen and identify: 'Kare wa speed shoushin de yuumei da.' What is he famous for?

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Listen and identify: 'Shoushin ni tomonai tenshin ga arimasu.' What else is happening besides the promotion?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Shoushin no hanashi ga nakunatta.' What happened to the promotion talk?

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Listen and identify: 'Irei no shoushin ni odoroki wo kakusenai.' How does the speaker feel?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Shoushin shitakereba, seika wo dase.' What is the condition for promotion?

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Listen and identify: 'Shoushin omedetou! Kanpai!' What is happening?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Kachou ni shoushin suru yotei desu.' When is the promotion?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Shoushin kijun ga kawarimashita.' What changed?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Josei no shoushin wo sokushin suru.' What is being promoted?

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Listen and identify: 'Shoushin shiken no moushikomi wa ashita made desu.' When is the deadline?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Kare wa shoushin wo kotowatta rashii.' What did he do?

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Listen and identify: 'Shoushin shita node, kyou wa ogori da!' What is the speaker going to do?

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/ 184 correct

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