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転職する

B1 verb #7,000 most common 11 min read

転職する

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 転職する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 転職する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '転職する' (tenshoku suru) as a simple action word for 'changing jobs.' Think of it as a set phrase. You might use it in very basic sentences to talk about your future or your friends. For example, 'I want to change jobs' is 'Tenshoku shitai desu.' You don't need to worry about the complicated history of Japanese working culture yet. Just remember that 'ten' means move and 'shoku' means job. It is a 'suru' verb, so it follows the same rules as 'benkyō suru' (to study) or 'kōhai suru' (to shop). At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning: moving from Company A to Company B. You can use it when talking about why you are studying Japanese—maybe you want to 'tenshoku' to a Japanese company one day! Keep it simple and use it with 'desu/masu' for politeness.

At the A2 level, you can start using '転職する' with basic particles and reasons. You should be able to say *where* you want to go using the particle 'ni' (e.g., 'IT gōkyō ni tenshoku suru'). You can also use the '~te' form to connect it with other actions, like 'I quit my job and changed jobs' (Kaisha o yamete, tenshoku shimashita). You should also recognize the noun form '転職' (tenshoku) used in phrases like 'tenshoku katsudō' (job hunting). At this level, you are beginning to describe your daily life and plans more clearly, so 'tenshoku' becomes a useful word for talking about your career path. You might also learn the opposite, 'shūshoku suru' (to get a job for the first time), to compare the two. Remember that 'tenshoku' is specifically for moving *between* jobs.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of '転職する' as a tool for career growth. This is the level where you start to use more complex grammar like 'tenshoku suru tame ni' (in order to change jobs) or 'tenshoku shitai to omotte imasu' (I am thinking that I want to change jobs). You should also be aware of the social context: in Japan, 転職 is now a common way to 'step up' (career advancement). You can use this word in more detailed conversations about your motivations, such as seeking a better salary or better working hours. You should also be able to distinguish 'tenshoku' from 'tenkin' (transfer within the same company) and 'idō' (department change), as these are common points of confusion for intermediate learners. You are now expected to use the word correctly in a semi-formal environment, such as a casual networking event or a conversation with a teacher.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '転職する' in professional and formal contexts. You should understand the concept of 'tenshoku riyū' (reasons for changing jobs) and be able to explain them using sophisticated vocabulary. For example, you might talk about 'shiryoku o nobasu tame' (to expand one's abilities) or 'shokumu keireku' (work history). You should also understand the nuance of 'suru' versus 'o suru'—where 'tenshoku o suru' can place more emphasis on the 'action' of job hunting. At this level, you should also be familiar with related business terms like 'headhunting' (hikinuki) and 'mid-career recruitment' (chūto saiyō). You should be able to read news articles about labor market trends and understand how 'tenshoku' rates are changing in Japan. Your ability to use the word should reflect an understanding of the Japanese corporate environment.

At the C1 level, you can discuss '転職する' within the broader context of Japanese economic and sociological shifts. You should be able to use the word to debate the pros and cons of the declining 'lifetime employment' system. You might use advanced expressions like 'tenshoku o kurikaesu' (to repeatedly change jobs) to discuss the 'job-hopping' culture or 'tenshoku-shijō' (the job change market). You should also be able to use the word in high-level business writing, such as a cover letter or a formal resignation notice, where you might use the humble form 'tenshoku itashimasu.' You should understand the subtle difference between 'tenshoku' and 'tenshin' (career pivot/transformation) and use them appropriately in nuanced discussions. At this level, you are not just using a verb; you are discussing a significant life and social event with precision and cultural awareness.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '転職する' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it in complex metaphorical contexts or within academic discussions about 'labor mobility' (rōdō idōsei). You understand the historical baggage of the word and can use it to articulate complex career philosophies. You can seamlessly switch between casual slang (like 'ten-katsu') and highly formal, honorific language depending on the audience. You might also explore the use of the word in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to describe the 'tenshoku' of a political figure or a change in the 'mission' of an organization. You are fully aware of homophones like '天職' (calling) and can use the wordplay effectively. Your use of the word is perfectly timed, culturally sensitive, and grammatically flawless in any possible scenario.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

転職する in 30 Seconds

Tenshoku suru means to change jobs by moving to a different company or organization.
It is a suru-verb, combining 'ten' (turn/shift) and 'shoku' (employment/job).
In modern Japan, it is a common way to seek better pay and career growth.
It is distinct from internal transfers (tenkin) or simply resigning (taishoku).

The Japanese word 転職する (tenshoku suru) is a fundamental verb for anyone navigating the modern Japanese professional landscape. Etymologically, it is composed of two kanji: 転 (ten), meaning to revolve, turn, or shift, and 職 (shoku), meaning employment, post, or office. Together, they literally translate to 'shifting one's employment.' While the English equivalent 'to change jobs' is accurate, the cultural weight of 転職 holds a specific place in Japanese society, which has historically been defined by the 'lifetime employment' (shūshin koyō) system. In that traditional context, changing jobs was often viewed with skepticism or seen as a sign of instability. However, in the 21st century, 転職 has transformed into a proactive strategy for career development, salary increase, and work-life balance.

Grammar Category: Suru-verb (Noun + する). It functions as an intransitive verb in most contexts, describing the act of the subject moving from one company to another.
Social Nuance: In modern Japan, 転職 is frequently associated with 'Step-up' (キャリアアップ), where an individual seeks better conditions or a more challenging role. It is no longer a taboo but a common milestone for mid-career professionals.
Frequency: Extremely high in business conversations, news reports regarding the labor market, and casual talk among friends discussing their careers.

When people use 転職する, they are referring specifically to moving from one company to a different company. It is distinct from 転勤 (tenkin), which is a job transfer within the same company to a different location, or 異動 (idō), which is a department change. Using the word 転職 implies a complete break from the current employer and the commencement of a contract with a new one. This distinction is crucial for learners to avoid confusion during business discussions. For example, if you say you are 'tenshoku-ing' to the Osaka branch, a Japanese person would be confused because that is a 'tenkin' (transfer).

キャリアアップのために、外資系企業に転職することにしました。
(I have decided to change jobs to a foreign company for my career advancement.)

The timing of using this word is also important. It is used during the decision-making phase ('I want to change jobs'), the active phase ('I am currently changing jobs/job hunting'), and the retrospective phase ('I changed jobs last year'). The process of 転職 is often called 転職活動 (tenshoku katsudō), often shortened to 転活 (ten-katsu) in casual settings, similar to how job hunting for new graduates is called 'shūkatsu'.

今の仕事に満足していないので、転職するか悩んでいます。
(I'm not satisfied with my current job, so I'm debating whether to change jobs.)

Furthermore, 転職 implies a change in the 'employer' but not necessarily the 'profession.' If a programmer moves to another company to be a programmer, it is 転職. If a programmer becomes a baker, it is also 転職, but might be specifically called 異業種への転職 (igyōshu e no tenshoku)—changing to a different industry. This versatility makes it a catch-all term for any professional move between organizations.

彼は３回転職した経験がある。
(He has experience changing jobs three times.)

In summary, 転職する is the standard, polite, and most common way to describe the act of switching employers. Whether driven by a desire for a higher salary, a better environment, or a total career pivot, this word covers the entire spectrum of professional movement in Japan's evolving labor market.

Using 転職する correctly involves understanding its relationship with particles and auxiliary verbs. As a suru-verb, it is highly flexible, but there are specific patterns that native speakers use to indicate the destination, the reason, or the state of the transition. The most common particle used with the destination is に (ni) or へ (e), indicating the company or industry you are moving toward.

Pattern 1: Destination: [New Company/Industry] + に/へ + 転職する. Example: IT業界に転職する (Change jobs to the IT industry).
Pattern 2: Reason: [Reason] + で/のために + 転職する. Example: 給料の低さで転職する (Change jobs due to low salary).
Pattern 3: State: 転職を考えている (Thinking about changing jobs) or 転職活動中だ (In the middle of job hunting).

When discussing the act of changing jobs, the verb is often used in its dictionary form to express future intent or general facts. When the change has already occurred, the past tense 転職した (tenshoku shita) is used. If you are in the process of looking for a new job while still employed at your old one, the phrase 転職活動をする (tenshoku katsudō o suru) is preferred over just 転職する, as the latter implies the actual move.

もっと自由な社風の会社に転職したいです。
(I want to change jobs to a company with a more flexible corporate culture.)

A subtle point of grammar involves the use of から (kara). If you want to emphasize the place you are leaving, you can say [Old Company] から [New Company] へ転職する. However, in most cases, the 'from' is omitted because it is understood that you are leaving your current position. Another common construction is using 転職 as a noun with the particle を (o), as in 転職を繰り返す (tenshoku o kurikaesu), which means to change jobs repeatedly (job-hopping).

彼は給料アップを目指して、大手に転職した。
(He changed jobs to a major firm aiming for a salary increase.)

In professional interviews, you will often be asked for your 'tenshoku riyū' (reason for changing jobs). Here, the word acts as a prefix. You might say: 「前職での経験を活かすために転職を決意しました」 (I decided to change jobs to utilize the experience from my previous job). This shows how the word fits into the formal 'business Japanese' register, requiring polite endings like 〜しました or 〜いたしました.

今の会社を辞めて、未経験の分野に転職するのは勇気がいる。
(It takes courage to quit your current company and change jobs to an inexperienced field.)

Lastly, consider the conditional forms. 転職すれば (tenshoku sureba) or 転職したら (tenshoku shitara) are used when weighing the benefits of a move. 'If I change jobs, will my life be better?' is a common thought expressed using these structures. The versatility of 転職する across all JLPT levels and social scenarios makes it an essential verb for mastering Japanese career-related discourse.

You will encounter 転職する in a variety of real-world environments, from the flickering screens of late-night television to the hushed conversations of a Tokyo coffee shop. One of the most prominent places is in advertising. Japan's train stations and subway cars are plastered with ads for 'tenshoku sites' like Recruit, doda, and BizReach. These ads often feature slogans like '転職は、慎重に、かつ大胆に' (Change jobs carefully, yet boldly) or '今の自分にぴったりの職場へ転職しよう' (Let's change jobs to a workplace that fits you perfectly).

Television & Media: News segments about 'labor mobility' (rōdō idō) frequently use the term when discussing how young people are no longer staying at one company for 40 years.
Social Media: On platforms like Twitter (X) or LinkedIn, Japanese professionals use the hashtag #転職 to share tips, vent about the process, or announce their 'new report' (nyūrepo) at a new company.
The Workplace: While you might not hear it openly in a meeting, it is the 'whisper word' at water coolers or izakayas when colleagues discuss a former teammate who 'tenshoku-shita' to a competitor.

In a professional setting, specifically during a job interview, the word is ubiquitous. The interviewer will ask: 「転職を考えたきっかけは何ですか？」 (What was the trigger that made you think about changing jobs?). Here, the word is treated with professional respect. It describes a logical transition in one's career path rather than just 'quitting.' You might also hear it from recruitment consultants (headhunters) who call you to say, 「転職のご興味はありませんか？」 (Are you interested in changing jobs?).

電車の中の広告で、「転職するなら今！」という文字をよく見る。
(I often see the words "If you're going to change jobs, now's the time!" in train advertisements.)

Another interesting context is in Entertainment. There are many Japanese dramas (dorama) and manga centered around the theme of career changes. For example, the drama 'Tenshoku no Mao-sama' focuses on a cynical career consultant who helps people navigate the emotional and practical hurdles of switching jobs. Through these stories, the word 転職 is portrayed not just as a business transaction, but as a journey of self-discovery and finding one's place in the world.

同僚が急に転職すると言い出して驚いた。
(I was surprised when my colleague suddenly said they were going to change jobs.)

Finally, in casual conversations among friends, the word is often used as a synonym for 'leveling up.' If someone is working too much overtime (zangyō), a friend might say, 「そんなに辛いなら、転職したほうがいいよ」 (If it's that painful, you should change jobs). In this sense, 転職する has become a common piece of life advice, reflecting a shift toward individual agency and mental health awareness in the Japanese workforce.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing 転職する (tenshoku suru) with other verbs that describe leaving or moving within a company. Because English uses 'change' or 'move' for many different scenarios, learners often apply 転職 too broadly. Let's break down the most frequent errors to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and professional.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 転勤 (Tenkin): 転勤 means a job transfer to a different location within the same company. If you are still working for the same boss but in a different city, do NOT use 転職. Use 転勤.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 退職 (Taishoku): 退職 means 'to resign' or 'to quit.' While 転職 implies quitting the old job to start a new one, 退職 focuses only on the leaving part. If you quit and don't have a new job yet, you have 'taishoku-shita,' but you haven't 'tenshoku-shita' until you join the next company.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Particles: Learners often use を (o) for the destination company. Correct: [Company] に転職する. Incorrect: [Company] を転職する. Use を only for the action itself (転職をする) or the old job (会社を辞めて転職する).

Another nuance is the difference between 仕事を変える (shigoto o kaeru) and 転職する (tenshoku suru). While both mean 'change jobs,' 仕事を変える is more colloquial and can also mean changing the type of work you do (e.g., from sales to marketing) within the same company. 転職する is specifically about changing the employer. If you want to sound more professional, always opt for 転職する.

❌ 大阪支店に転職しました。
✅ 大阪支店に転勤しました。
(Incorrect if it's the same company; 'tenkin' is for transfers.)

A subtle cultural mistake is mentioning 転職 too early in your relationship with a Japanese company. In some traditional circles, expressing a desire to 転職 can be seen as a lack of loyalty. However, this is changing. The mistake here isn't grammatical but social; ensure you are in a safe, casual, or appropriate professional setting (like a career consultation) before using the word regarding your own intentions.

❌ 彼は会社を転職しました。
✅ 彼は別の会社に転職しました。
(Grammatically, you don't 'tenshoku' a company; you 'tenshoku' *to* a company.)

Finally, don't confuse 転職 (tenshoku) with 天職 (tenshoku). They are homophones! The latter means 'one's calling' or 'vocation' (heavenly job). While they sound the same, the context usually makes it clear. 'Tenshoku ni deatta' (I found my calling) vs 'Tenshoku o kangaete iru' (I'm thinking of changing jobs). Context is king!

While 転職する (tenshoku suru) is the standard term, Japanese has several synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning depending on the register (formality) and the specific nature of the job change. Understanding these will help you choose the most appropriate word for the situation.

キャリアチェンジ (Kyaria Chenji): A 'loan word' from English. It specifically emphasizes changing the type of career or industry, not just the company. It sounds modern and proactive.
中途採用 (Chūto Saiyō): This refers to 'mid-career recruitment.' While not a verb for the employee, it is the term companies use for the process of hiring someone who has 'tenshoku-shita.'
転身する (Tenshin suru): A more dramatic or formal word meaning 'to shift one's life direction.' Often used for celebrities or athletes who move into a completely different field after retiring.

If you want to speak more casually with friends, you might use 仕事を変える (shigoto o kaeru). This is the 'plain' way to say 'change jobs.' It lacks the formal 'business' feel of 転職 but is perfectly natural in everyday conversation. For example: 「そろそろ仕事変えようかな」 (I wonder if I should change jobs soon).

彼はプロ野球選手から俳優に転身した。
(He transitioned from being a pro baseball player to an actor.)

Another related concept is 再就職 (sai-shūshoku), which means 're-employment.' This is used when someone has been out of work for a while (perhaps due to unemployment or a career break) and is now finding a new job. 転職 implies a direct or near-direct move from one job to another, whereas 再就職 focuses on the act of returning to the workforce.

出産後、３年ぶりに再就職した。
(After giving birth, she found a new job for the first time in three years.)

Lastly, consider 引き抜き (hikinuki), which means 'headhunting' or 'poaching.' If a person changes jobs because another company specifically asked them to join, they might say they were 'hikinuki ni atta' (were headhunted) which resulted in a 転職. Understanding these synonyms allows you to describe the 'how' and 'why' of a job change with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, changing jobs was extremely rare for samurai, as loyalty to one's lord was paramount. The modern frequency of 'tenshoku' is a radical departure from historical Japanese values.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ten.ɕo.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

US /ten.ʃo.ku.su.ru/

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent in standard Tokyo Japanese. The pitch stays relatively level.

Rhymes With

Hanshoku (reproduction) Kenshoku (holding multiple posts) Genshoku (primary color) Shuushoku (finding employment) Kanshoku (snack) Danshoku (warm color) Tenshoku (calling/vocation) Kyoushoku (teaching profession)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ten' like the English number 10 (it should be more like 'tehn').
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'shoku' (it is often nearly silent).
Confusing the pitch with 'tenshoku' (calling), though context usually clarifies.
Stressing the 'ru' too hard at the end.
Mispronouncing 'shoku' as 'shock'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'shoku' (職) can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'tenshoku' (calling) and 'tenkin' (transfer).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

仕事 (work) 会社 (company) 辞める (to quit) する (to do) 新しい (new)

Learn Next

履歴書 (resume) 面接 (interview) 採用 (hiring) 給料 (salary) 昇進 (promotion)

Advanced

労働基準法 (Labor Standards Act) 終身雇用 (lifetime employment) 自己分析 (self-analysis) 源泉徴収票 (tax withholding slip)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

転職する (Tenshoku suru), 勉強する (Benkyō suru)

Particles に/へ for destination

新しい会社に転職する。

Particles から for origin

今の会社から転職する。

Nominalization with の/こと

転職するのは難しい。

Purpose with ために

スキルアップのために転職する。

Examples by Level

私は来年、転職します。

I will change jobs next year.

Simple future/intent.

転職は大変ですか？

Is changing jobs difficult?

Using the noun form with the topic marker 'wa'.

彼は昨日、転職しました。

He changed jobs yesterday.

Past tense.

いい会社に転職したいです。

I want to change jobs to a good company.

Desire form (~tai).

私の姉は転職しました。

My older sister changed jobs.

Subject marker 'wa' with a family member.

どこに転職しますか？

Where will you change jobs to?

Question with destination particle 'ni'.

転職は楽しいです。

Changing jobs is fun.

Adjective 'tanoshii' modifying the noun 'tenshoku'.

友達が転職しました。

My friend changed jobs.

Subject marker 'ga' for new information.

給料が高い会社に転職したい。

I want to change jobs to a company with a high salary.

Relative clause 'kyūryō ga takai kaisha'.

転職するために、英語を勉強しています。

I am studying English in order to change jobs.

Purpose marker 'tame ni'.

今の仕事を辞めて、転職するつもりです。

I intend to quit my current job and change jobs.

Intentional form 'tsumori'.

転職するのは初めてです。

It is my first time changing jobs.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

転職サイトで新しい仕事を探します。

I will look for a new job on a job-change site.

Location of action 'de'.

父は３回も転職しました。

My father has changed jobs as many as three times.

Emphasis particle 'mo' with a counter.

もっと近くの会社に転職したいな。

I wish I could change jobs to a company closer to home.

Casual ending 'na' expressing a wish.

転職活動はとても忙しいです。

Job hunting (for a career change) is very busy.

Compound noun 'tenshoku katsudō'.

キャリアアップのために、外資系企業に転職することを決めた。

I decided to change jobs to a foreign company for career advancement.

Decided action 'koto o kimeta'.

転職してから、生活がもっと楽しくなりました。

Since I changed jobs, my life has become more enjoyable.

Sequence/Since form '~te kara'.

今の会社に不満はないが、新しいことに挑戦するために転職する。

I have no complaints about my current company, but I'm changing jobs to challenge myself with something new.

Contrasting conjunction 'ga'.

彼は転職を繰り返しているが、スキルは高い。

He repeatedly changes jobs, but his skills are high.

Continuous action 'o kurikaeshite iru'.

転職エージェントに相談してみようと思います。

I think I'll try consulting with a recruitment agent.

Attempt/Try form '~te miru'.

もし転職するなら、どんな業界がいいですか？

If you were to change jobs, what kind of industry would be good?

Conditional 'nara'.

３０代で転職するのは珍しくありません。

It is not uncommon to change jobs in one's 30s.

Double negative 'mezurashiku arimasen'.

転職が決まったので、来月引っ越します。

Since my job change has been decided, I will move next month.

Reason 'node'.

市場価値を高めるために、戦略的に転職することを勧める。

I recommend strategically changing jobs to increase your market value.

Adverbial 'senryaku-teki ni'.

転職によって、年収が大幅にアップした。

Due to changing jobs, my annual income significantly increased.

Means/Reason 'ni yotte'.

前の会社での経験が、今回の転職で非常に役に立った。

The experience at my previous company was very useful in this job change.

Adverb 'hijō ni'.

彼はヘッドハンティングされて転職したそうだ。

I heard that he changed jobs after being headhunted.

Passive voice 'sarete' + hearsay 'sōda'.

転職を成功させるには、自己分析が不可欠だ。

Self-analysis is essential to make a job change successful.

Causative 'seikō saseru' + essential 'fukaketsu'.

安易な気持ちで転職すると、後悔するかもしれない。

If you change jobs with a half-hearted attitude, you might regret it.

Conditional 'to' + possibility 'kamoshirenai'.

働き方改革の影響で、転職を希望する人が増えている。

Due to the influence of work-style reforms, the number of people wishing to change jobs is increasing.

Reason 'no eikyō de'.

彼は専門性を活かせる職場を求めて転職した。

He changed jobs seeking a workplace where he could utilize his expertise.

Seeking 'o motomete'.

終身雇用制度が崩壊し、転職はもはや一般的なキャリアパスとなった。

With the collapse of the lifetime employment system, changing jobs has become a common career path.

Formal 'mohaya' (no longer).

労働流動性を高めるためには、円滑な転職支援が必要だ。

In order to increase labor mobility, smooth job-change support is necessary.

Technical term 'rōdō ryūdōsei'.

彼は異業種への転職に成功し、新たな才能を開花させた。

He succeeded in changing jobs to a different industry and bloomed a new talent.

Metaphorical 'kaika saseta'.

転職に伴うリスクを最小限に抑えるための対策を講じる。

Take measures to minimize the risks associated with changing jobs.

Formal 'ni tomonau' (associated with).

景気後退の局面では、転職を控える傾向が見られる。

In phases of economic recession, a tendency to refrain from changing jobs is observed.

Formal 'hikaeru' (refrain).

自己実現の手段として、転職という選択肢を真剣に検討している。

I am seriously considering the option of changing jobs as a means of self-actualization.

Abstract noun 'jiko jitsugen'.

転職回数が多いことが、必ずしもマイナス評価につながるとは限らない。

A high number of job changes does not necessarily lead to a negative evaluation.

Partial negation 'to wa kagiranai'.

大手企業からベンチャー企業へ転職し、裁量権の大きさに驚いた。

I changed jobs from a large corporation to a venture company and was surprised by the large amount of discretion.

Technical term 'sairyōken' (discretionary power).

組織の硬直化を防ぐため、外部からの転職組を積極的に登用する方針だ。

In order to prevent organizational rigidity, the policy is to actively promote those hired from outside.

Formal 'tōyō suru' (appoint/promote).

彼は生涯で十数回の転職を重ね、独自のキャリアを築き上げた。

He accumulated over a dozen job changes in his life and built up a unique career.

Accumulating action 'o kasane'.

転職という行為が個人のアイデンティティに与える影響は計り知れない。

The impact that the act of changing jobs has on an individual's identity is immeasurable.

Literary 'hakari-shirenai'.

高度専門職における転職は、単なる職場移動ではなく知の移転を意味する。

Changing jobs in highly specialized professions signifies a transfer of knowledge, not just a move between workplaces.

Contrast 'tannaru... dewa naku'.

日本社会における転職への心理的障壁は、近年劇的に低下している。

The psychological barriers toward changing jobs in Japanese society have dramatically decreased in recent years.

Formal 'shinri-teki shōheki'.

キャリアの踊り場に直面した際、転職は現状打破の有力な選択肢となる。

When facing a career plateau, changing jobs becomes a powerful option for breaking the status quo.

Idiom 'kyaria no odoriba' (plateau).

転職市場の成熟は、労働者と企業の対等な関係構築を促進する。

The maturation of the job-change market promotes the building of an equal relationship between workers and companies.

Abstract 'seijuku' (maturation).

彼は不遇の時代を乗り越え、理想的な職場への転職を勝ち取った。

He overcame times of misfortune and won a job change to an ideal workplace.

Emphatic 'kachitotta' (won/attained).

Common Collocations

転職サイト

転職エージェント

転職活動

転職回数

転職理由

異業種への転職

転職フェア

転職市場

スムーズな転職

転職祝い

Common Phrases

転職を考える

— To consider changing jobs. Used when one is undecided.

将来のために、転職を考えています。

転職に成功する

— To successfully change jobs (usually to a better one).

彼は第一志望の会社への転職に成功した。

転職を決意断する

— To make a firm decision to change jobs.

ついに転職を決意した。

転職を繰り返す

— To change jobs frequently (job-hopping).

転職を繰り返すと履歴書が汚れると言われる。

転職のきっかけ

— The trigger or motive for changing jobs.

転職のきっかけは、上司とのトラブルだった。

転職のアドバイス

— Advice regarding changing jobs.

先輩から転職のアドバイスをもらった。

転職先を探す

— To look for a new place of employment.

働きながら転職先を探している。

転職組

— People who joined a company mid-career (not as new grads).

この部署は転職組が多い。

転職エージェントを利用する

— To use a recruitment agency.

効率よく探すために転職エージェントを利用する。

転職が怖い

— To be afraid of changing jobs/the unknown.

転職が怖くてなかなか踏み出せない。

Often Confused With

転職する vs 転勤 (tenkin)

Internal transfer to a new location within the same company.

転職する vs 退職 (taishoku)

The act of quitting/resigning, focusing on leaving, not the next step.

転職する vs 就職 (shūshoku)

Getting a job for the first time (typically as a graduate).

Idioms & Expressions

"石の上にも三年"

— Perseverance prevails; wait three years on a stone. Often used to advise against changing jobs too quickly.

石の上にも三年というが、今の職場は無理だ。

Proverb

"隣の芝生は青い"

— The grass is greener on the other side. Used when someone wants to change jobs just because other companies look better.

転職したいが、隣の芝生は青いだけかもしれない。

Common Idiom

"心機一転"

— Turning over a new leaf; a fresh start. Often used to describe the feeling after a job change.

転職して、心機一転頑張ります。

Set Phrase

"泥船から逃げる"

— Escaping from a sinking ship. Used when changing jobs because the current company is failing.

倒産前に転職するのは、泥船から逃げるようなものだ。

Metaphorical

"キャリアの棚卸し"

— Taking stock of one's career/skills. Essential before changing jobs.

転職の前に、キャリアの棚卸しをしよう。

Business Idiom

"三日坊主"

— One who gives up easily. Sometimes used to criticize someone who changes jobs every few months.

転職ばかりして、三日坊主だと思われないか不安だ。

Idiom

"青天の霹靂"

— A bolt from the blue. Used if a colleague's job change was completely unexpected.

彼の転職は、私にとって青天の霹靂だった。

Set Phrase

"背水の陣"

— Last stand; burning one's bridges. Used when changing jobs without a backup plan.

背水の陣で転職活動に臨む。

Idiom

"井の中の蛙"

— A frog in a well. Used when changing jobs to see a 'wider world' outside one's current small company.

井の中の蛙になりたくなくて、転職を決めた。

Proverb

"渡りに船"

— A godsend; just what was needed. Used when a great job offer comes right when you wanted to change jobs.

転職を考えていた時に誘いがあり、渡りに船だった。

Idiom

Easily Confused

転職する vs 天職 (tenshoku)

Homophones (same sound).

転職 is changing jobs; 天職 is your 'calling' or 'dream job' from heaven.

今の仕事は私の天職だ。 (This job is my calling.)

転職する vs 転身 (tenshin)

Similar meaning of 'changing'.

Tenshin is more dramatic, like a career pivot (e.g., soldier to monk).

彼は政治家に転身した。 (He transitioned into being a politician.)

転職する vs 移籍 (iseki)

Used for 'moving'.

Used for sports players or idols moving between teams/agencies.

彼は別のチームに移籍した。 (He transferred to another team.)

転職する vs 異動 (idō)

Internal change.

Changing departments or roles within the same company.

営業部に異動になった。 (I was moved to the sales department.)

転職する vs 離職 (rishoku)

Leaving work.

A more formal/statistical term for leaving a job (turnover).

離職率が高い。 (The turnover rate is high.)

Sentence Patterns

私は[Time]に転職します。

私は来月に転職します。

[Reason]ので、転職したいです。

給料が低いので、転職したいです。

[Skill]を活かすために、転職する。

英語を活かすために、転職する。

転職によって、[Benefit]を得る。

転職によって、自由な時間を得る。

転職を検討する上で、[Factor]は重要だ。

転職を検討する上で、社風は重要だ。

転職という選択が[Subject]に資する。

転職という選択が自己研鑽に資する。

転職したほうがいい。

今の会社が辛いなら、転職したほうがいい。

転職は初めてですか？

Word Family

Nouns

転職 (tenshoku - job change)

転職者 (tenshokusha - person who changed jobs)

転職先 (tenshokusaki - new place of employment)

Verbs

転職する (tenshoku suru - to change jobs)

Adjectives

転職可能な (tenshoku kanō na - job-changeable)

退職 (resignation)

就職 (getting a job)

求人 (job offer)

面接 (interview)

履歴書 (resume)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in adult daily life and business.

Common Mistakes

Using 'tenshoku' for internal transfers. → 転勤 (tenkin) or 異動 (idō).
Tenshoku requires a change of employer, not just a change of desk.
Using 'o' particle for the destination company. → A社に転職する。
The destination of a move takes the 'ni' or 'e' particle.
Confusing 'tenshoku' with 'shūshoku'. → 新卒は就職、経験者は転職。
Shūshoku is for your very first job; tenshoku is for subsequent ones.
Using 'tenshoku' to mean 'quitting'. → 退職 (taishoku).
If you quit and stay unemployed, you haven't 'tenshoku-ed' yet.
Pronouncing it as 'ten-shock'. → Ten-sho-ku.
The 'o' in 'sho' is a long-ish vowel, and 'ku' is short.

Tips

Timing Matters

Most job changes in Japan happen in April or October to align with the fiscal year. Planning your 'tenshoku' around these months can increase your chances.

Particle Precision

Always use 'ni' for the company you are entering. 'Google ni tenshoku suru' sounds natural; 'Google o tenshoku suru' is a mistake.

Networking

In Japan, 'tenshoku' often happens through 'shōkai' (introductions). Maintaining a good network is just as important as using 'tenshoku' sites.

Step-up

If you are changing jobs for a better position, use the term 'kyaria-appu' (career up) along with 'tenshoku' to sound ambitious.

Kanji Meaning

Remember the first kanji 転 (ten) from 'jitensha' (bicycle). It means 'rolling' or 'moving'. It helps you remember the 'change' aspect.

Resume Prep

When you 'tenshoku,' you need a 'shokumu keirekisho' (work history resume), which is more detailed than a standard 'rirekisho'.

Don't Fear

While 'tenshoku' was once scary in Japan, it is now seen as a sign of a skilled, adaptable professional. Embrace the word!

Context Clues

If you hear 'tenshoku' followed by 'iwai' (celebration), someone has just successfully landed a new job.

Politeness

In emails, use 'tenshoku itashimashita' (humble) to inform former clients or colleagues of your move.

Avoid Confusion

Don't say 'tenshoku' if you are just moving to a different city for the same company. That's 'tenkin'!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'TEN' people 'SHOKU'ing (shaking) hands at a new office. They are all 'tenshoku'ing together!

Visual Association

Visualize a revolving door (TEN) leading into a new office building (SHOKU).

Word Web

Career Salary Resume Interview Boss Agency Skills Growth

Challenge

Try to write three reasons why someone might 'tenshoku' using Japanese grammar like '~kara' (because).

Word Origin

Comes from Middle Chinese roots. 'Ten' (転) means to turn or shift, and 'Shoku' (職) means a duty or job. It has been used for centuries but became a key social term in the late 20th century.

Original meaning: To change one's post or official duty.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking someone 'Why did you change jobs?' as it can sometimes touch on sensitive topics like 'Black Companies' (exploitative workplaces) or personal health issues.

In the US/UK, changing jobs every 2-4 years is often seen as the fastest way to get a raise. In Japan, this is becoming more acceptable but is still viewed more cautiously than in the West.

Tenshoku no Mao-sama (Drama/Manga) Recruit Holdings (The giant of the tenshoku industry) BizReach TV commercials (Iconic in Japan)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

なぜ転職を希望されたのですか？
前職での経験を活かしたいです。
キャリアアップが目的です。
転職理由を教えてください。

Talking to Friends

転職しようか悩んでるんだ。
今の会社、辞めて転職するわ。
いい転職先、見つかった？
転職おめでとう！

HR/Recruitment

転職市場の動向を確認する。
優秀な転職者を採用する。
転職エージェントと提携する。
転職サイトの広告を出す。

Resigning

転職が決まったので辞めます。
次はどんな会社に転職するの？
転職しても頑張ってね。
転職先は秘密です。

Career Consulting

転職のタイミングを相談する。
自分の強みを転職に活かす。
未経験からの転職は可能か？
転職の成功事例を紹介する。

Conversation Starters

"最近、転職を考えたことはありますか？ (Have you thought about changing jobs recently?)"

"もし転職するなら、どんな仕事をしてみたいですか？ (If you were to change jobs, what kind of work would you want to do?)"

"転職活動で一番大変なことは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the hardest part of job hunting?)"

"今の会社から転職した同僚はいますか？ (Are there any colleagues who changed jobs from your current company?)"

"転職サイトでおすすめはありますか？ (Do you have any recommendations for job-change sites?)"

Journal Prompts

将来、どのような理由で転職する可能性があるか書いてみましょう。 (Write about the reasons you might change jobs in the future.)

理想の転職先について詳しく説明してください。 (Explain your ideal new workplace in detail.)

もし今の仕事を辞めて転職するとしたら、まず何をしますか？ (If you were to quit your current job and change jobs, what would you do first?)

日本での転職とあなたの国での転職の違いについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about the differences between changing jobs in Japan and in your country.)

転職を成功させるために必要なスキルは何だと思いますか？ (What skills do you think are necessary for a successful job change?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, 'tenshoku' implies moving to another company as an employee. If you start your own business, 'dokuritsu suru' (becoming independent) or 'kigyō suru' (starting a company) is more appropriate.

No, it is a neutral business term. However, telling your current boss 'I want to tenshoku' might be seen as disloyal. Use 'taishoku' (resignation) when discussing leaving.

They are almost identical. 'Tenshoku o suru' slightly emphasizes 'tenshoku' as an activity or project you are undertaking.

It is usually reserved for full-time (seishain) career moves. For part-time jobs, people usually say 'arubaito o kaeru' (change part-time jobs).

It refers to the group of people in a company who were hired mid-career, as opposed to those who joined straight out of university.

You can say 'tenshoku o kurikaesu' (to repeat job changes). If it's seen negatively, 'jobu hoppā' (loan word) is also used.

No. Retirement is '定年退職' (teinen taishoku). 'Tenshoku' implies you are continuing to work elsewhere.

It's a job board website like LinkedIn or Indeed, specifically targeted at people who already have work experience.

Only if the promotion involves moving to a new company. If it's within the same company, use 'shōshin' (promotion).

Yes, it frequently appears in N3 and N2 levels, particularly in reading and listening sections about work.