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B1 noun 12 min read

職種

Examples
Explanation 職種 in your Level:
At the absolute beginner level (A1), learners are primarily focused on basic introductions and simple daily vocabulary. While the word shokushu might seem a bit advanced for someone just learning how to say hello and count to ten, the concept of talking about jobs is fundamental. Beginners usually learn the word 'shigoto' (work) or specific job titles like 'sensei' (teacher) or 'gakusei' (student). However, introducing the idea that Japanese has specific categories for jobs lays a good foundation. At this stage, you don't need to master the complex kanji or the deep corporate nuances. Simply understanding that when a Japanese person asks about your 'shokushu', they are asking 'What kind of work do you do?' is enough. You can respond with simple words you already know, like 'IT' or 'kaishain' (office worker). The goal at A1 is passive recognition. If you see this word on a basic form while living in Japan, you should know it means 'job type'. It is a noun, so it follows the basic grammar rules you are learning, such as 'Watashi no shokushu wa... desu' (My job category is...). Practicing this simple sentence structure helps solidify the basic 'A wa B desu' grammar pattern while incorporating a highly useful, real-world vocabulary word. Even if you make mistakes, native speakers will appreciate your effort to use a more specific word than just 'shigoto'.
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As you progress to the A2 level, your ability to describe yourself and your life in more detail improves significantly. At this stage, you are likely learning how to talk about your past experiences and your future plans. The word shokushu becomes incredibly useful here. You can start combining it with verbs you are learning, such as 'sagasu' (to look for) or 'kaeru' (to change). For example, you can say 'Atarashii shokushu wo sagashite imasu' (I am looking for a new job category). This demonstrates a clear step up from A1 Japanese. You also start to encounter this word in reading exercises, perhaps in simplified texts about life in Japan or basic job advertisements. At the A2 level, it is important to practice reading the kanji 職 (shoku - employment) and 種 (shu - kind/seed). Recognizing these characters will help you decipher other related words in the future. You should also practice asking others about their work using polite Japanese: 'Shokushu wa nan desu ka?' (What is your job category?). This is a great conversation starter when meeting new people in Japan. Understanding the distinction between just having a job and having a specific type of occupation helps you navigate simple adult conversations and prepares you for more complex interactions as you move toward intermediate fluency.
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Reaching the B1 level means you are now an independent user of Japanese, capable of handling most situations that arise while traveling or living in Japan. This is the exact level where the word shokushu officially sits, and it becomes an active, essential part of your vocabulary arsenal. At B1, you are expected to understand the difference between similar concepts, which is why mastering the distinction between shokushu (job category) and gyoushu (industry) is a key learning objective. You should be able to comfortably read job postings, understand the requirements, and fill out standard Japanese application forms where these terms are ubiquitous. You will use this word to express your career preferences, discuss your work history in moderate detail, and explain why you might want to switch careers. Grammar structures like '〜ni kyoumi ga arimasu' (I am interested in...) pair perfectly with this word: 'Kono shokushu ni kyoumi ga arimasu' (I am interested in this job category). Furthermore, you will start hearing this word in news reports about the economy or employment rates. Being able to catch this word in a listening comprehension context and immediately understand that the topic is about specific types of jobs, rather than just general work, proves that your listening skills are maturing to a practical, conversational level.
At the B2 level, your Japanese is becoming quite advanced, and you are expected to converse fluently on a wide range of topics, including professional and abstract subjects. The use of shokushu at this level goes beyond simple identification; it involves analyzing and discussing the labor market, career development, and corporate structures. You should be comfortable discussing the pros and cons of different job categories, explaining the specific skills required for a particular shokushu, and understanding complex job descriptions in native-level materials. You will encounter compound words like 'shokushubetsu' (by job category) in business reports and statistical data. When reading articles about the Japanese economy, you will see discussions about how automation is affecting certain job categories or how there is a labor shortage in specific fields. Your speaking ability should allow you to express nuanced opinions, such as 'While the industry is growing, this specific job category is becoming obsolete.' You will also need this vocabulary to navigate real-world job interviews in Japanese, where you must articulate your career trajectory, why you chose your specific path, and how your past experiences in one job category make you a strong candidate for another. Mastery at B2 means using the word naturally, accurately, and without hesitation in professional contexts.
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Entering the C1 level signifies an advanced, near-native proficiency. At this stage, your understanding of shokushu is deeply integrated with your knowledge of Japanese corporate culture, economics, and sociology. You are not just using the word; you are discussing the implications of the concept within Japanese society. You can fluently debate the traditional Japanese 'membership-type' employment system, where generalists are favored, versus the Western 'job-type' employment system, which focuses heavily on specific job categories. You can read complex academic papers, government white papers (like those from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), and in-depth economic analyses that rely heavily on this terminology. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in different contexts, such as how certain job categories carry different social status or historical baggage in Japan. Your vocabulary is rich with related terms, and you can effortlessly switch between shokushu, gyoushu, shokumu, and yakushoku depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey. In professional settings, you can negotiate contracts, discuss organizational restructuring, and write formal business proposals that clearly define the roles and job categories required for a project. The word is a natural, invisible part of your advanced linguistic toolkit, used with absolute precision.
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At the C2 level, the highest level of proficiency, your mastery of the Japanese language is comprehensive and nuanced, equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. Your use and understanding of the word shokushu reflect a profound grasp of Japan's socioeconomic landscape, labor laws, and historical employment trends. You can engage in high-level academic or political discourse regarding how job categories are officially classified by the Japanese government versus international labor organizations. You can critically analyze literature or media that critiques the rigidity of job categories in traditional corporate structures or the precariarity of certain modern gig-economy roles. You are capable of drafting legally binding employment contracts, corporate bylaws, or comprehensive HR policies that define job categories with exact legal precision. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji and how the concept of categorizing labor has evolved throughout Japanese history, from the Edo period's strict class systems to the modern, fluid gig economy. At this ultimate level, the word is not merely vocabulary; it is a conceptual lens through which you can articulate complex arguments about human capital, economic policy, and societal evolution in Japan, doing so with effortless eloquence and cultural authority.
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Examples
Understanding the Japanese word shokushu is absolutely essential for anyone looking to navigate the Japanese job market, participate in career-oriented conversations, or simply comprehend business-related media in Japan. The term shokushu refers specifically to the type of occupation, the professional role, or the job category that an individual holds or is applying for. Unlike the broader term for industry, which encompasses the entire field of business a company operates in, shokushu narrows down the focus to the actual daily tasks, skills, and responsibilities of the worker. For instance, within the manufacturing industry, there are numerous job categories such as sales, human resources, engineering, and accounting. Each of these distinct roles is classified as a different shokushu. When Japanese people use this word, they are usually trying to understand the specific nature of someone's work rather than just the company they work for. It is a highly practical and universally understood vocabulary word that bridges the gap between general employment status and specialized professional identity.

希望の職種は何ですか。

In everyday conversations, particularly among university students who are undergoing the rigorous Japanese job-hunting process known as shuukatsu, this word appears constantly. Students must decide not only which companies they want to apply to but also which specific job categories they are best suited for.
Usage Context
Used primarily in business, recruitment, and formal introductions to specify a role.
Furthermore, employment agencies and online job boards heavily rely on this categorization to help candidates filter through thousands of job listings. If you walk into a Hello Work office, which is the Japanese government's employment service center, the first thing a representative might ask you is about your desired shokushu.

私の職種は営業です。

This level of specificity is crucial because salaries, working hours, and career trajectories in Japan often depend heavily on the job category rather than just the company name. The concept of shokushu also plays a significant role in the traditional Japanese employment system. Historically, Japanese companies hired generalists under the lifetime employment system, meaning employees would rotate through various job categories throughout their careers. However, modern trends show a shift toward specialist hiring, where individuals are hired for a specific shokushu from the very beginning.
Cultural Shift
The shift from generalist to specialist roles makes this word more relevant today than ever.
This evolution in the labor market means that understanding and clearly articulating your job category is more important now than it was in previous decades.

新しい職種に挑戦したい。

Whether you are a software engineer, a marketing executive, or a freelance translator, identifying your shokushu helps establish your professional identity in Japan. It is also worth noting that many Japanese visa applications require applicants to clearly state their job category to ensure it aligns with the permitted activities of their specific visa status.

このビザで可能な職種は限られている。

Therefore, mastering this word is not just a linguistic exercise but a practical necessity for living and working in Japan.
Legal Importance
Visa categories are strictly tied to specific job categories, making accuracy vital.
Ultimately, the word shokushu encapsulates the modern Japanese worker's professional domain, serving as a fundamental building block for any career-related dialogue.

多様な職種が存在する現代社会。

By fully grasping its meaning and applications, learners can significantly enhance their ability to communicate effectively in professional Japanese environments.
Using the word shokushu correctly in sentences requires an understanding of the verbs and particles that most commonly associate with it. Because it is a formal noun referring to a category or classification, it is frequently paired with verbs related to choosing, changing, seeking, or experiencing. One of the most common sentence patterns you will encounter is combining the word with the verb erabu, which means to choose. When someone is deciding on their career path, they might say they are choosing a job category.

自分に合った職種を選ぶ。

This highlights the active process of selecting a profession. Another highly frequent pairing is with the verb kaeru, meaning to change. In the modern era, where career changes are becoming more socially acceptable in Japan, changing one's job category is a major life event.
Grammar Pairing
Use the particle 'wo' (を) when describing an action taken upon a job category, such as choosing or changing it.
You might hear someone explaining their mid-career transition by stating they changed their job category entirely.

彼は転職して職種を変えた。

Additionally, when people are actively looking for work, they use verbs like sagasu (to search) or kibo suru (to desire/hope for). Job application forms almost universally feature a section asking for the desired job category. When speaking politely in a business context, you should use formal verb endings (desu/masu). For instance, an interviewer might ask a candidate about the type of work they wish to do.

どのような職種をご希望ですか。

It is also common to use this word as a modifier by attaching the suffix 'betsu' (別), which means 'by' or 'classified by'. Companies often display their average salaries or recruitment numbers classified by job category.
Suffix Usage
Adding 'betsu' (別) creates 'shokushubetsu' (職種別), meaning 'by job category'.
This is incredibly useful when analyzing labor statistics or reading corporate brochures.

職種別の給与データを比較する。

Furthermore, when discussing experience, you will often hear the term 'mikeiken' (未経験), meaning inexperienced. Applying for a job category you have never worked in before is a specific scenario that requires this vocabulary. By mastering these common syntactic patterns and collocations, learners can speak about careers with native-like fluency.

職種未経験でも応募可能です。

The flexibility of this noun allows it to be the subject, the object, or a descriptive modifier in a wide variety of professional and casual sentences.
Sentence Structure
It functions perfectly as a standard noun, taking standard particles like wa, ga, wo, and ni.
Practicing these structures will ensure that you are never at a loss for words during a job interview or a conversation about your career trajectory in Japanese.
The word shokushu is omnipresent in specific environments in Japan, particularly those related to employment, education, and bureaucratic processes. If you are a student at a Japanese university, you will start hearing this word incessantly during your third year when the shuukatsu (job hunting) season officially kicks off. University career centers hold seminars specifically dedicated to helping students understand different job categories.

大学で職種研究のセミナーに参加した。

During these seminars, career advisors emphasize the importance of researching not just companies, but the daily realities of various job categories. You will also encounter this word constantly on major Japanese job search websites like Rikunabi, Mynavi, and Doda.
Online Platforms
Job portals use this term as the primary dropdown menu for filtering job searches.
When you create a profile on these platforms, selecting your desired job category is a mandatory step that determines which recruiters will contact you.

サイトで希望の職種を登録する。

Beyond the digital world, physical job fairs and recruitment expos heavily utilize this terminology. At a large venue like Tokyo Big Sight, booths are often organized not just by industry, but by job category, directing engineers to one area and sales professionals to another. Another critical location where this word is spoken daily is at Hello Work, the public employment security office. When citizens go to register for unemployment benefits or seek consultation for finding new work, the staff will conduct an interview focusing deeply on their past job categories and future aspirations.

ハローワークで職種の相談をする。

In the corporate environment itself, human resources departments use this word when discussing internal transfers, promotions, and organizational restructuring.
Corporate HR
HR professionals use it to categorize payroll scales and training programs.
For example, a company might announce that they are changing the salary structure for specific job categories to remain competitive in the market.

一部の職種で給与改定が行われた。

Even in casual settings, such as networking events, mixers (goukon), or alumni gatherings, people will ask about your job category to get a better sense of what your day-to-day life looks like. Finally, government statistics, news broadcasts, and economic reports frequently mention this word when discussing employment rates, labor shortages, and economic trends.

特定の職種で人手不足が深刻だ。

By tuning your ear to recognize this vocabulary word, you will unlock a deeper understanding of conversations surrounding the Japanese economy and professional life.
News Media
Economic news relies heavily on this term to explain which sectors are growing or shrinking.
It is a cornerstone vocabulary item for anyone serious about engaging with the adult, working world in Japan.
One of the most frequent and understandable mistakes that Japanese learners make is confusing shokushu (job category) with gyoushu (industry). While they sound similar and both relate to employment, using them interchangeably can lead to significant confusion during job interviews or while filling out official forms. Gyoushu refers to the broad sector in which a company operates, such as the IT industry, the healthcare industry, or the manufacturing industry. On the other hand, shokushu refers to the specific role a person performs within that industry, such as a programmer, a nurse, or a machine operator.

業種と職種の違いを理解する。

If an interviewer asks for your desired shokushu and you reply with 'IT', you have provided an industry, not a job category. The correct answer would be something like 'system engineer' or 'sales'.
Critical Distinction
Gyoushu = The company's business field. Shokushu = Your specific daily tasks and role.
Another common error is using shokushu when you actually mean shokuba (workplace). Shokuba refers to the physical location or the specific environment where you work, such as an office, a hospital, or a factory.

同じ職種でも職場によって環境が違う。

Saying 'My shokushu is far from my house' makes no logical sense in Japanese, as a job category does not have a geographical location. Learners also sometimes confuse this word with shokugyou (occupation/profession). While they are very close in meaning and often overlap, shokugyou is a slightly broader and more traditional term used to describe one's lifelong profession or general livelihood, whereas shokushu is more analytical, used specifically to categorize roles within the labor market or a corporate structure.

履歴書に職種を正確に記入する。

For example, on a customs declaration form, you might write your shokugyou (e.g., Company Employee), but on a detailed job application, you must specify your shokushu (e.g., Marketing Manager).
Form Filling
Always check if a form asks for shokugyou (general) or shokushu (specific).
Furthermore, learners occasionally misuse the verbs associated with this word. You cannot 'do' a job category (shokushu wo suru is unnatural). Instead, you choose it, change it, or experience it.

未経験の職種に挑戦する。

You can say 'shigoto wo suru' (to do work), but the categorical noun requires more precise verbs. By being mindful of these subtle distinctions and avoiding these common pitfalls, your Japanese will sound much more natural, professional, and precise.
Verb Collocation
Always pair categorical nouns with verbs of selection, transition, or classification.

正しい職種名を使うことが重要です。

Taking the time to learn the exact boundaries of this word will save you from awkward moments in professional settings.
Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of employment in Japanese involves learning several similar words and understanding their nuanced differences from shokushu. As previously mentioned, the most closely related and frequently contrasted word is gyoushu (業種), which means industry or type of business. While shokushu looks at the micro-level of an individual's daily tasks, gyoushu looks at the macro-level of the company's overall economic activity.

同じ業種でも職種によって仕事内容は異なる。

Another highly relevant alternative is shokugyou (職業), which translates to occupation or profession. Shokugyou is the broader, more traditional term for what you do for a living. When filling out a generic government form, the box will usually say shokugyou, and you might simply write 'Kainshain' (company employee).
Shokugyou vs Shokushu
Shokugyou is your general livelihood; Shokushu is the precise category of your tasks.
However, if the form asks for shokushu, writing 'company employee' is insufficient; you must specify 'accounting', 'sales', or 'engineering'.

彼の職種はエンジニアです。

Another related word is yakushoku (役職), which means a post, title, or managerial position. Words like Manager (Kachou) or Director (Buchou) fall under yakushoku. It is vital to separate your job category from your hierarchical title.

役職と職種は別の概念です。

Additionally, the English loanword 'pojishon' (ポジション - position) is increasingly used in modern Japanese corporate environments, especially in foreign-affiliated companies (gaishikei). While pojishon often implies a specific open role or a slot within a team, shokushu remains the standard, formal Japanese term for the category of work itself.
Loanwords
Pojishon is trendy but less formal than the traditional kanji compound.
You might also encounter the word shokumu (職務), which translates to job duties or responsibilities. A shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書) is a detailed resume or curriculum vitae that outlines exactly what duties you performed in your past roles.

職務経歴書に職種を明記する。

While shokushu is the category (e.g., Marketing), shokumu is the actual list of actions you took (e.g., managed social media, analyzed market trends). Finally, the word shigoto (仕事) is the most generic term for work or a job. Beginners use shigoto for everything, but advancing to CEFR B1 and beyond requires upgrading to more precise terminology.

仕事の話をする時、職種を明確にする。

Vocabulary Upgrade
Replacing shigoto with shokushu in formal contexts instantly elevates your Japanese proficiency.
Understanding this web of related terms allows you to express your professional background and aspirations with incredible accuracy and cultural appropriateness.
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Examples by Level

1

私の職種は営業です。

My job category is sales.

Noun A wa Noun B desu pattern.

2

職種は何ですか。

What is your job category?

Basic question using 'nan desu ka'.

3

新しい職種です。

It is a new job category.

Adjective modifying a noun.

4

この職種が好きです。

I like this job category.

Using 'ga suki desu' for preference.

5

職種を選びます。

I will choose a job category.

Verb 'erabu' (to choose) with particle 'wo'.

6

職種が違います。

The job category is different.

Using 'chigaimasu' to indicate difference.

7

同じ職種です。

It is the same job category.

'Onaji' (same) modifying the noun directly.

8

職種を教えてください。

Please tell me your job category.

Te-form + kudasai for requests.

1

私は違う職種を探しています。

I am looking for a different job category.

Te-iru form for ongoing action (looking for).

2

希望の職種を書いてください。

Please write your desired job category.

Noun + no + Noun to show possession/attribute.

3

その職種は人気があります。

That job category is popular.

'Ninki ga arimasu' means 'is popular'.

4

私の兄は別の職種に変わりました。

My older brother changed to a different job category.

Past tense verb 'kawarimashita'.

5

どんな職種に興味がありますか。

What kind of job category are you interested in?

'Donna' asking for a type or kind.

6

この会社には色々な職種があります。

There are various job categories in this company.

'Iroiro na' (various) modifying the noun.

7

職種によって給料が違います。

The salary differs depending on the job category.

'~ni yotte' means 'depending on'.

8

私はこの職種の経験がありません。

I have no experience in this job category.

'Keiken ga arimasen' expressing lack of experience.

1

転職エージェントに希望職種を伝えました。

I conveyed my desired job category to the recruitment agent.

Compound noun 'kibou shokushu'.

2

業種と職種の違いを理解することが就活の第一歩です。

Understanding the difference between industry and job category is the first step in job hunting.

Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'koto'.

3

未経験の職種に応募するのは少し不安です。

I am a little anxious about applying for a job category I have no experience in.

'Mikeiken no' used as a modifier.

4

現在、IT系の職種は非常に需要が高いです。

Currently, IT-related job categories are in very high demand.

'~kei' suffix meaning '-related' or 'type'.

5

自分のスキルを活かせる職種を見つけたいです。

I want to find a job category where I can utilize my skills.

Potential form 'ikaseru' modifying the noun.

6

面接で、なぜこの職種を選んだのか聞かれました。

In the interview, I was asked why I chose this job category.

Passive voice 'kikaremashita'.

7

職種別の平均年収をインターネットで調べました。

I looked up the average annual income by job category on the internet.

Suffix 'betsu' meaning 'by category'.

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