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A1 noun #3,186 most common 10 min read

資格

shikaku Top 3,186

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 資格 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 資格 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 資格 (shikaku) as a simple noun meaning 'qualification.' You will mostly use it in very basic sentences to describe things you have or want. For example, 'I have a qualification' or 'I want a qualification.' At this stage, don't worry about the complex legal or moral meanings. Just think of it as a formal word for a certificate you get after a test. You might see it on a basic job application or hear a teacher mention it. It is often paired with the particle 'o' and the verb 'motte imasu' (have/hold). Learning this word early is helpful because Japanese culture values certifications highly, even for beginners. You might hear people talking about the 'JLPT qualification' (Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken no shikaku). Keep your usage simple: 'Shikaku ga arimasu' (I have a qualification) or 'Shikaku o toritai desu' (I want to get a qualification). This word will help you talk about your goals and achievements in a way that Japanese people will immediately understand and respect. It is a 'solid' noun that doesn't change much in basic grammar, making it easy to plug into your existing sentence patterns.

At the A2 level, you can start using 資格 (shikaku) in more descriptive ways. You should be able to specify what kind of qualification you are talking about by using the particle 'no'. For example, 'computer no shikaku' (computer qualification) or 'eigo no shikaku' (English qualification). You will also start using the verb 'toru' (to take/get) more frequently to describe your active efforts to improve yourself. At this level, you might also encounter the word in the context of 'shikaku no benkyō' (studying for a qualification). You are moving from just 'having' a qualification to 'working towards' one. This is a common topic in Japanese small talk. When someone asks you about your hobbies or what you do in your free time, saying you are studying for a qualification is a very common and respected answer. You should also be aware that 'shikaku' is used on resumes and in job ads. You might see phrases like 'shikaku hitsuyō' (qualification required). Understanding this word will help you navigate basic employment information in Japan. It’s also the stage where you might first hear the negative 'shikaku ga nai,' used simply to mean 'not eligible' for a specific beginner-level discount or event.

At the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between 資格 (shikaku) and related words like 'menkyo' (license). You will use 'shikaku' to discuss career development and professional requirements in more detail. You can use the formal verb 'shutoku suru' (to acquire) instead of the simple 'toru.' You will also begin to encounter the abstract meaning of 'shikaku' as 'the right' or 'eligibility.' For example, 'shōshin no shikaku' (eligibility for promotion). At this level, you can use 'shikaku' to explain your professional background during an interview or to discuss the requirements for a specific task. You should be able to form sentences like 'Kono shigoto o suru ni wa, kōsaidō no shikaku ga hitsuyō desu' (To do this job, a high-level qualification is necessary). You will also hear 'shikaku' used in social commentary about the 'qualification society' (shikaku shakai) of Japan. This is a great word for expressing your ambitions and discussing the structure of Japanese society. You are also likely to encounter compound words like 'kokka shikaku' (national qualification) and 'minkan shikaku' (private qualification), and you should understand the difference in prestige and legal weight between them.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 資格 (shikaku) with nuance and precision. You should be comfortable with its abstract and moral meanings, such as having the 'moral standing' to do something. You will encounter it in literature, news editorials, and complex social debates. For instance, a news article might discuss whether a politician has the 'shikaku' to lead after a scandal. You should also understand the 'to shite no shikaku' pattern, which means 'in the capacity of' or 'as a...'. For example, 'Oya to shite no shikaku o tou' (to question someone's qualifications as a parent). This goes beyond professional certificates and into the realm of social roles and responsibilities. You will also use the word in the context of legal eligibility, such as 'tōhyō shikaku' (voting eligibility) or 'juken shikaku' (eligibility to take an exam). At this stage, your vocabulary should include related formal terms like 'shikaku-haku-datsu' (deprivation of qualification) and 'shikaku-yōken' (qualification requirements). You can use 'shikaku' to construct sophisticated arguments about meritocracy, professional ethics, and social status. Your understanding of the word should reflect its deep integration into the Japanese psyche regarding order, validation, and social hierarchy.

At the C1 level, your use of 資格 (shikaku) should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of depth and context. You will use it to discuss philosophical concepts of 'right' and 'merit.' You should be able to analyze how the concept of 'shikaku' functions in Japanese corporate governance, legal frameworks, and traditional arts (where 'shikaku' might refer to the right to teach a specific school of thought). You will encounter the word in academic papers and high-level business negotiations. For example, discussing 'shikaku-shugi' (credentialism) and its impact on innovation in Japan. You should also be aware of the historical evolution of the word and how it relates to the 'shizoku' (samurai class) and the transition to a modern meritocratic state. Your ability to use 'shikaku' in the negative to make a subtle moral point—'Kare ni wa hihan suru shikaku wa nai' (He is in no position to criticize)—should be sharp. You will also understand the subtle difference between 'shikaku' and 'tekikaku' (competence) in legal and administrative contexts, using them correctly in formal writing. At this level, 'shikaku' is not just a noun; it's a tool for expressing complex ideas about identity, authority, and social contract.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 資格 (shikaku), including its most obscure and formal applications. You can use it in legal discourse to discuss the 'shikaku' of a witness or the 'shikaku' of a corporation to enter into a contract. You understand the word's role in the 'I-novel' genre of Japanese literature, where characters often agonize over their 'shikaku' as human beings (as seen in Dazai Osamu's 'Ningen Shikkaku' - No Longer Human, though 'shikkaku' is the failure of qualification). You can engage in high-level debates about the future of the 'shikaku shakai' in the face of AI and changing work cultures. You are also comfortable with extremely formal and archaic-sounding compounds used in official government proclamations or high-court rulings. Your usage includes the ability to use 'shikaku' metaphorically in poetry or sophisticated prose to represent the boundaries of the self and the social world. You understand that 'shikaku' is a cornerstone of Japanese social architecture, representing the intersection of individual effort and societal recognition. Your command of the word allows you to navigate the most sensitive and complex social situations in Japan with perfect linguistic and cultural accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

資格 in 30 Seconds

Shikaku means qualification, certification, or license.
It is used for both professional certificates and abstract moral rights.
Common verbs include 'toru' (to get) and 'aru' (to have).
It is a central concept in Japanese job hunting and social status.

The Japanese word 資格 (shikaku) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to "qualification," "certification," or "license." However, its usage in Japanese culture and the professional landscape is significantly more profound than the simple English equivalents might suggest. Japan is often described as a shikaku shakai (qualification-based society), where holding the right piece of paper can be the difference between a high-paying career and limited job prospects. At its core, 資格 refers to the formal recognition of a person's knowledge, skills, or status that grants them the legal or social authority to perform specific tasks.

Professional Context: In the workplace, this word refers to professional certifications such as being a Certified Public Accountant (kaikeishi), a lawyer (bengoshi), or even holding a specific level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It is the 'ticket' that allows entry into a specialized field.

弁護士になるには、非常に難しい国家資格が必要です。(To become a lawyer, a very difficult national qualification is necessary.)

Beyond the professional realm, 資格 also carries a social and moral weight. It is used to describe the "right" or "eligibility" of a person to do something based on their character or past actions. For instance, if someone betrays a friend, people might say they have "no right" (shikaku ga nai) to speak of friendship. This abstract usage is common in literature, anime, and daily interpersonal conflicts.

Social Eligibility: This refers to the moral standing or the 'right' to claim a certain identity or position. It is often used in the negative form to exclude someone from a category based on their behavior.

君にそんなことを言う資格はない！(You have no right to say such a thing!)

In contemporary Japan, the "shikaku boom" refers to the trend of adults pursuing various certifications outside of their regular jobs to increase their marketability or simply as a hobby. From tea ceremony levels to specialized IT certificates, the pursuit of 資格 is a national pastime. This reflects a cultural emphasis on measurable achievement and formal validation of one's efforts. When you use this word, you are tapping into a deep-seated Japanese value regarding self-improvement and societal roles.

Self-Improvement: The process of 'shikaku shutoku' (acquiring qualifications) is often seen as a sign of diligence (majime-sa) and is highly respected in Japanese society, regardless of the specific field.

将来のために、新しい資格の勉強を始めました。(For my future, I started studying for a new qualification.)

履歴書に書ける資格を増やしたいです。(I want to increase the qualifications I can write on my resume.)

彼はリーダーとしての資格が十分にある。(He has sufficient qualifications/right to be a leader.)

Using 資格 (shikaku) correctly involves understanding its partnership with specific verbs and particles. It functions primarily as a noun, but its role changes depending on whether you are talking about attaining a certification, possessing a right, or lacking eligibility. The most common verb used with 資格 is toru (to take/get) or shutoku suru (to acquire). For more abstract 'rights,' you use aru (to have) or nai (to not have).

Acquiring a Qualification: When talking about passing an exam or receiving a certificate, use 'shikaku o toru' (informal) or 'shikaku o shutoku suru' (formal). This implies a process of study and testing.

去年、日本語能力試験N2の資格を取りました。(Last year, I got the N2 JLPT qualification.)

Another important pattern is shikaku o motte iru (to hold a qualification). This describes your current state of being qualified. In job interviews, you might be asked, "What qualifications do you hold?" (Dono yōna shikaku o o-mochi desu ka?). Notice the use of honorifics in a professional setting. The word 資格 remains the same, but the surrounding grammar elevates the politeness.

Eligibility and Rights: To say someone is 'eligible' for a promotion or a prize, use '...no shikaku ga aru.' This can be used for both legal eligibility (like voting) and social merit.

彼はその賞を受ける資格がある。(He is qualified/eligible to receive that award.)

In negative contexts, 資格 is powerful. Saying shikaku o ushinau means to lose one's qualification or right. This could be due to a professional error (like a doctor losing their license) or a moral failing. The phrase shikaku-haku-datsu (deprivation of status/qualification) is a very formal term used in legal or official news reports regarding the stripping of titles or rights.

Requirements: 'Shikaku-yōken' refers to the specific requirements or criteria one must meet to obtain a qualification. This is common in academic and job descriptions.

応募するには、特定の資格を満たしている必要があります。(To apply, you need to meet specific qualification requirements.)

私は教員資格を持っています。(I have a teaching qualification.)

彼はその地位にふさわしい資格を備えている。(He possesses the qualifications suitable for that position.)

You will encounter 資格 (shikaku) in a variety of real-world Japanese scenarios, ranging from high-pressure corporate environments to casual conversations about hobbies. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the cultural nuances of the word. One of the most common places is in shūshoku katsudō (job hunting). In Japan, resumes (rirekisho) have a specific section for 資格, and it is often the first thing recruiters look at to filter candidates.

Recruitment and HR: During interviews, you'll hear: 'Shikaku wa nani ka motte imasu ka?' (Do you hold any qualifications?). Companies often provide 'shikaku teate' (qualification allowance), which is extra pay for employees who hold relevant certifications.

この仕事には、簿記の資格が有利に働きます。(A bookkeeping qualification will work to your advantage for this job.)

Another frequent context is in advertisements. Japan has a massive industry for correspondence courses (tsūshin kyōiku). Companies like U-Can run ubiquitous TV commercials and subway ads encouraging people to "get a qualification" to change their lives or improve their self-esteem. You'll see slogans like "Shikaku de mirai o kaeru" (Change your future with a qualification). This reflects the societal belief that 資格 provides security in an uncertain economy.

TV and Media: In dramas and anime, the word is often used dramatically. A character might say, 'Watashi ni wa, kare o aisuru shikaku nante nai' (I have no right to love him), adding a layer of moral unworthiness to the plot.

通信教育で新しい資格に挑戦する人が増えています。(The number of people challenging new qualifications through correspondence education is increasing.)

In the legal and administrative world, 資格 is used in terms like kokka shikaku (national qualification) and minkan shikaku (private qualification). National qualifications are those backed by the government and are usually required for high-stakes professions like medicine, law, or architecture. Private qualifications are issued by organizations and might include things like English proficiency or specialized technical skills. Understanding the difference is crucial for anyone navigating the Japanese professional world.

Legal and Official: Official documents often ask for 'shikaku no umu' (presence or absence of qualifications). This is a standard part of any bureaucratic form related to employment or specialized services.

彼は医師の資格を剥奪された。(He was stripped of his medical qualification/license.)

投票資格を確認してください。(Please check your voting eligibility.)

While 資格 (shikaku) is a versatile word, English speakers often make mistakes by overusing it or confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. The most common error is confusing 資格 with menkyo (license). While both involve permission to do something, menkyo usually refers to something legally required by the government for safety or public order, like a driver's license (unten menkyo) or a teacher's license (kyōin menkyo). 資格 is broader and includes non-compulsory certifications.

Shikaku vs. Menkyo: Mistake: 'Unten no shikaku' (Wrong). Correct: 'Unten menkyo' (Driver's license). Use 'menkyo' for things that are illegal to do without the paper. Use 'shikaku' for professional credentials or general rights.

❌ 運転の資格を持っています。
✅ 運転免許を持っています。(I have a driver's license.)

Another mistake is confusing 資格 with nouryoku (ability) or gijutsu (skill). Just because you are good at something doesn't mean you have the 資格 for it. 資格 implies a formal, external validation. If you are a great cook, you have ryōri no ude (cooking skill), but you don't have chōrishimen kyōkai no shikaku (chef's qualification) unless you've passed the exam. Don't use 資格 to describe natural talents.

Formal vs. Informal Skills: Mistake: 'Piano no shikaku ga aru' (I have a qualification in piano). While technically possible if you have a grade certificate, it sounds odd in casual conversation. Better: 'Piano ga hikeru' (I can play piano).

❌ 彼は泳ぐ資格がある。
✅ 彼は泳ぐ能力がある。(He has the ability to swim.)

Finally, learners often struggle with the abstract use of 資格 meaning "right" or "eligibility." They might try to use kenri (right) instead. While kenri refers to legal rights (like human rights), 資格 is used when that right is conditional on one's status or actions. For example, a father has the shikaku (right/role) to protect his children. Using kenri here would sound like a legalistic entitlement rather than a moral responsibility.

Moral Rights vs. Legal Rights: Mistake: 'Kare ni wa hanasu kenri ga nai' (He has no legal right to speak). This is fine for law. But 'Kare ni wa hanasu shikaku ga nai' means 'He has no moral right/standing to speak' (e.g., because he's a hypocrite).

❌ 嘘つきには友達を作る権利はない。
✅ 嘘つきには友達を作る資格はない。(A liar has no 'right/standing' to make friends.)

To truly master 資格 (shikaku), it is helpful to compare it with other words that occupy the same semantic space. Japanese has many specific terms for different types of certifications and abilities. Understanding the hierarchy and nuances of these words will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

資格 (Shikaku) vs. 免許 (Menkyo): As mentioned, 'Menkyo' is a government-issued license. You cannot legally perform the action without it. 'Shikaku' is a broader term for any qualification. All 'Menkyo' are 'Shikaku', but not all 'Shikaku' are 'Menkyo'. For example, JLPT is a 'Shikaku', but not a 'Menkyo'.
資格 (Shikaku) vs. 検定 (Kentei): 'Kentei' refers to the test or examination itself, or the certification resulting from such a test (like Kanji Kentei). 'Shikaku' is the status you hold. You 'take a kentei' to 'get a shikaku'.
資格 (Shikaku) vs. 肩書き (Katagaki): 'Katagaki' means 'title' or 'position' (like Manager or CEO). While a 'shikaku' (like a CPA) might lead to a 'katagaki', they are different. A title is your role; a qualification is your credential.

漢字検定に合格して、準一級の資格を得た。(I passed the Kanji Test and obtained the Pre-1st Grade qualification.)

In some contexts, you might use tekikaku (competence/fitness). This is used when describing if someone is suitable for a specific task based on their skills and character, rather than just their formal papers. If you want to emphasize the 'right' to do something in a legal sense, kenri is your best bet, but if you mean the 'moral standing,' stick with 資格.

Other Related Terms: - 技能 (Ginō): Technical skill/craftsmanship.
- 素養 (Soyō): Grounding or basic knowledge in a field.
- ライセンス (Raisensu): Katakana for license, often used in sports or international business.

彼はその仕事をするのに適格だ。(He is competent/fit to do that job.)

国際的なライセンスを取得する。(To acquire an international license.)

教員としての素養を身につける。(To acquire the basic grounding required of a teacher.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'shikaku' was used more for social rank within the feudal system. Only after the Meiji Restoration did it take on the modern meaning of professional certification.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃi.ka.kɯ

US ʃi.ka.ku

Heiban (Flat) - The pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Kikaku (Plan) Hikaku (Comparison) Gikaku (Suspicion) Chikaku (Perception) Nikaku (Two strokes) Rikaku (Separation) Mikaku (Sense of taste) Sokaku (Alienation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'.
Elongating the 'a' in 'ka' like 'shikaaku'.
Over-stressing the last 'ku' syllable.
Confusing the pitch with 'shikaku' (square), which has an Odaka pitch pattern.
Merging the 'sh' and 'i' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji 資 and 格 are common but require attention to strokes.

Writing 3/5

資 has many strokes; 格 requires proper radical placement.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is simple and flat.

Listening 2/5

Must distinguish from 'shikaku' (square) via context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

仕事 (Work) 勉強 (Study) 試験 (Exam) 持つ (To hold) 取る (To take)

Learn Next

免許 (License) 採用 (Hiring) 履歴書 (Resume) 専門 (Specialty) 能力 (Ability)

Advanced

剥奪 (Deprivation) 要件 (Requirement) 至上主義 (Supremacism/Credentialism) 形骸化 (Hollowing out) 適格 (Competence)

Grammar to Know

〜としての資格 (Qualification as a...)

親としての資格がある。

〜する資格がある/ない (To have/not have the right to do...)

彼を批判する資格はない。

資格を取得する (To acquire a qualification - Formal Compound Verb)

弁護士資格を取得した。

資格 + に + 基づく (Based on a qualification)

資格に基づく判断。

資格 + の + 有無 (Presence or absence of qualification)

資格の有無を問う。

Examples by Level

私は資格を持っています。

I have a qualification.

Uses the standard 'noun + o motte imasu' pattern for possession.

資格が欲しいです。

I want a qualification.

Uses the 'hoshii' adjective to express desire.

これは何の資格ですか？

What kind of qualification is this?

Uses 'nan no' to ask about the category of the noun.

資格の勉強をします。

I will study for a qualification.

The 'no' particle connects the purpose 'shikaku' to the action 'benkyō'.

新しい資格を取りたい。

I want to get a new qualification.

Uses the verb 'toru' (to take/get) in the 'tai' form.

資格はありますか？

Do you have any qualifications?

A simple question using 'arimasu ka'.

日本語の資格があります。

I have a Japanese qualification.

Specifies the type of qualification using 'no'.

資格は大切です。

Qualifications are important.

A basic 'A wa B desu' sentence structure.

来月、資格の試験を受けます。

I will take a qualification exam next month.

Uses 'shiken o ukeru' for taking an exam.

履歴書に資格を書きました。

I wrote my qualifications on my resume.

Uses 'ni' to indicate the location of writing.

簡単な資格から始めましょう。

Let's start with an easy qualification.

Uses 'kara' to indicate the starting point.

彼はたくさんの資格を持っている。

He has many qualifications.

Uses 'takusan no' as a quantifier.

仕事に役立つ資格を取りたいです。

I want to get a qualification that is useful for work.

Uses a relative clause 'shigoto ni yakudatsu' to describe 'shikaku'.

資格を取るのは大変ですが、頑張ります。

Getting a qualification is hard, but I'll do my best.

Uses 'no wa' to nominalize the phrase 'shikaku o toru'.

どんな資格が人気ですか？

What kind of qualifications are popular?

Uses 'donna' to ask for qualities or types.

この資格は日本で有名です。

This qualification is famous in Japan.

Uses 'de' to indicate the location of fame.

専門的な資格を取得することが目標です。

My goal is to acquire a professional qualification.

Uses 'shutoku suru' for a more formal 'get'.

応募資格を確認してください。

Please check the application eligibility/requirements.

Uses 'ōbo shikaku' as a compound noun.

資格手当が出るので、給料が増えます。

Since I get a qualification allowance, my salary will increase.

Introduces the concept of 'shikaku teate'.

彼は医師としての資格を失った。

He lost his qualification/right as a doctor.

Uses 'to shite no' to indicate capacity or role.

この資格があれば、転職に有利です。

If you have this qualification, it's advantageous for changing jobs.

Uses the conditional 'ba' form.

国家資格は取得するのが非常に難しい。

National qualifications are extremely difficult to acquire.

Introduces 'kokka shikaku'.

彼女は教員資格を取るために大学に通っている。

She is attending university to get a teaching qualification.

Uses 'tame ni' to express purpose.

資格試験の合格率は毎年変わります。

The passing rate for the qualification exam changes every year.

Uses 'gōkaku-ritsu' (passing rate).

君には彼を批判する資格はない。

You have no right to criticize him.

Abstract usage meaning 'moral right' or 'standing'.

その地位にふさわしい資格を備えている。

He possesses the qualifications suitable for that position.

Uses 'sonaeru' (to possess/be equipped with).

一定の資格を満たす必要があります。

It is necessary to meet certain qualifications.

Uses 'mitasu' (to satisfy/meet requirements).

資格の有無は問いません。

Whether you have qualifications or not does not matter.

Uses 'umu' (presence or absence) and 'toimasen' (does not matter).

彼は親としての資格を問われている。

His qualifications as a parent are being questioned.

Passive form 'to-warete iru' for questioning status.

実務経験が受験資格の一つです。

Practical experience is one of the exam eligibility requirements.

Uses 'juken shikaku' (eligibility to sit for an exam).

資格取得のための費用を会社が負担する。

The company covers the costs for acquiring qualifications.

Uses 'futan suru' (to bear the cost).

彼は多才だが、特定の資格は持っていない。

He is multi-talented, but he doesn't hold any specific qualifications.

Uses 'tasai' (multi-talented) for contrast.

現代社会における資格の意義を再考する。

Rethinking the significance of qualifications in modern society.

Academic phrasing using 'ni okeru' and 'saikō suru'.

不祥事により、彼は議員としての資格を剥奪された。

Due to a scandal, he was stripped of his qualifications as a legislator.

Uses 'hakudatsu suru' (to strip/deprive).

資格至上主義が、創造性を妨げているという指摘がある。

It has been pointed out that credentialism is hindering creativity.

Uses 'shikaku shijō shugi' (credentialism).

彼はそのプロジェクトを統括するに足る資格がある。

He has sufficient qualifications to supervise that project.

Uses 'ni taru' (sufficient/worthy to).

投票資格の拡大は、民主主義の進展を意味する。

The expansion of voting eligibility signifies the progress of democracy.

Formal political discourse.

資格の有効期限が切れる前に更新しなければならない。

The qualification must be renewed before its expiration date.

Uses 'yūkō kigen' (expiration date) and 'kōshin' (renewal).

専門職としての倫理観も、重要な資格の一部だ。

A sense of ethics as a professional is also an important part of one's qualifications.

Abstract conceptualization of 'shikaku'.

彼は自らの資格を証明するために、膨大な資料を提出した。

He submitted a vast amount of materials to prove his qualifications.

Uses 'shōmei suru' (to prove/verify).

人間としての資格を喪失したと感じる瞬間がある。

There are moments when one feels they have lost their status as a human being.

Existential usage, reminiscent of 'Ningen Shikkaku'.

法的資格の有無が、訴訟の行方を左右する。

The presence or absence of legal standing will influence the outcome of the lawsuit.

Uses 'sayū suru' (to influence/determine).

資格という制度が、社会的な流動性を抑制している可能性を否定できない。

One cannot deny the possibility that the system of qualifications is suppressing social mobility.

Complex analytical sentence structure.

真の指導者たる資格は、地位ではなく行動によって示される。

The qualification of a true leader is shown through actions, not status.

Uses the classical 'taru' (being/as).

資格の形骸化が、専門性の低下を招いている。

The hollowing out of qualifications is leading to a decline in expertise.

Uses 'keigaika' (becoming a mere shell/hollowing out).

彼は自己の存在資格を、芸術作品の中に求めた。

He sought the justification for his own existence within his works of art.

Highly abstract and literary usage.

資格要件の厳格化は、業界の信頼性を高める一方で、参入障壁ともなる。

While tightening qualification requirements increases industry reliability, it also acts as a barrier to entry.

Uses 'ippō de' to show two sides of an issue.

資格は、他者との関係性においてのみ意味を持つ記号である。

A qualification is a signifier that holds meaning only within the context of relationships with others.

Sociological/Philosophical definition.

Synonyms

免許権利ライセンス適格能力

Antonyms

失格無資格

Common Collocations

資格を取る

資格を取得する

資格を活かす

資格試験

応募資格

受験資格

資格を持つ

資格がない

資格手当

国家資格

Common Phrases

資格外活動

— Activities outside the scope of one's visa/qualification. Often used for foreign students working part-time.

資格外活動の許可を得る。

資格喪失

— Losing one's qualification. Used in insurance or professional contexts.

健康保険の資格喪失。

有資格者

— A qualified person or certificate holder.

有資格者が常駐している。

資格取得支援

— Support for getting qualifications. Common in job benefit descriptions.

資格取得支援制度があります。

無資格者

— An unqualified person.

無資格者による施術は禁止されている。

資格審査

— Qualification screening or review.

入札の資格審査を受ける。

資格マニア

— A person who collects qualifications as a hobby.

彼は有名な資格マニアだ。

教員免許状

— Teacher's license (often categorized under shikaku in general talk).

教員免許状の更新。

認定資格

— Accredited qualification.

民間団体の認定資格。

資格を剥奪する

— To strip someone of their qualification.

不正行為により資格を剥奪された。

Often Confused With

資格 vs 免許 (Menkyo)

Menkyo is a mandatory license; Shikaku is a general qualification.

資格 vs 死角 (Shikaku)

Same pronunciation, different kanji. Means 'blind spot'.

資格 vs 四角 (Shikaku)

Same pronunciation, different kanji. Means 'square'.

Idioms & Expressions

"資格がない"

— To have no right or standing to do/say something. Often used as a moral rebuke.

嘘をついたあなたに、彼を責める資格はない。

General

"足る資格がある"

— To be worthy of or have sufficient status for something.

彼はリーダーに足る資格がある。

Formal

"資格を問う"

— To question someone's eligibility or right to a position.

彼の指導者としての資格を問う。

Formal

"資格を備える"

— To possess the necessary qualifications or traits.

成功者としての資格を備えている。

Literary

"資格を失う"

— To lose the right or status to do something.

信頼を裏切り、友人でいる資格を失った。

General

"資格を満たす"

— To satisfy all requirements for a status or exam.

全ての資格を満たしている。

Neutral

"有資格の士"

— A person of qualification and character (archaic/formal).

有資格の士を募る。

Archaic

"資格外"

— Beyond one's authorized capacity.

それは資格外の仕事だ。

Neutral

"資格を得る"

— To gain the right or status.

ようやく発言する資格を得た。

General

"資格を付与する"

— To grant a qualification or right to someone.

功績を認め、資格を付与する。

Formal

Easily Confused

資格 vs 検定 (Kentei)

Both involve tests and certificates.

Kentei is the test itself; Shikaku is the status/right resulting from it.

漢字検定を受けて、資格をもらう。

資格 vs 権利 (Kenri)

Both translate as 'right' in some contexts.

Kenri is a legal entitlement; Shikaku is a status-based eligibility.

投票する権利はあるが、候補者になる資格はない。

資格 vs 能力 (Nouryoku)

Both relate to what you can do.

Nouryoku is internal ability; Shikaku is external validation.

能力は高いが、資格がないので働けない。

資格 vs 肩書き (Katagaki)

Both are labels for a person.

Katagaki is a job title; Shikaku is a credential.

部長という肩書きと、会計士の資格。

資格 vs 技能 (Ginou)

Both relate to skills.

Ginou is technical skill; Shikaku is the formal certification of any skill or status.

高い技能を持っていても、資格がないと認められないことがある。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] の資格があります。

英語の資格があります。

[Verb-Dictionary Form] ために資格を取ります。

働くために資格を取ります。

[Noun] としての資格を活かす。

看護師としての資格を活かす。

[Verb-Dictionary Form] 資格を満たしている。

受験する資格を満たしている。

〜に足る資格を備えている。

リーダーに足る資格を備えている。

資格の形骸化を懸念する。

専門資格の形骸化を懸念する。

資格手当が支給される。

毎月、資格手当が支給される。

資格の試験に合格する。

難しい資格の試験に合格した。

Word Family

Nouns

資格者 (Qualified person)

資格試験 (Qualification exam)

無資格 (Lack of qualification)

Verbs

資格化する (To turn into a qualification)

資格付ける (To entitle/qualify someone)

Adjectives

資格的な (Qualificatory)

免許 (License)

検定 (Certification test)

認定 (Authorization)

権利 (Right)

能力 (Ability)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional, academic, and social settings in Japan.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shikaku' for a driver's license. → unten menkyo (運転免許)
Driving requires a legal license (menkyo), not just a qualification.
Using 'shikaku' to mean 'natural talent'. → sainō (才能) or nouryoku (能力)
Shikaku requires formal validation; talent is innate.
Confusing 'shikaku' (qualification) with 'shikaku' (square) in writing. → 資格 vs 四角
They sound the same but the kanji are completely different. Use context.
Using 'shikaku ga nai' for 'I can't do it'. → dekimasen (できません)
Shikaku ga nai means 'I have no right,' which is much stronger and more moralistic than just being unable.
Saying 'shikaku o suru' to mean 'to study for a qualification'. → shikaku no benkyō o suru (資格の勉強をする)
You don't 'do' a qualification; you study for it or take the exam.

Tips

Resume Tip

Always use the full, formal name of a qualification on official documents. Instead of 'Eiken,' write 'Jitsuyō Eigo Ginō Kentei.'

Social Value

In Japan, even if you have the skill, having the 'shikaku' is often required to be taken seriously in professional circles.

Verb Pairing

Use 'toru' for the act of getting the paper, and 'aru' for the state of having the right.

Moral Standing

When someone says 'shikaku ga nai' in a personal argument, they are questioning your character, not your certificates.

Goal Setting

Setting a goal to get a 'shikaku' is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated in Japanese society.

Salary Bonus

Check if your company offers 'shikaku teate.' It’s free money for skills you might already have!

Humble Brag

If someone praises your skill, you can say 'Ie, mada shikaku o motte inai node...' (No, I don't even have a qualification yet...) to be humble.

Context Clues

If you hear 'shikaku' in a car, it's probably 'blind spot' (死角). In an office, it's 'qualification' (資格).

Visa Status

For foreigners in Japan, your 'zairyū shikaku' (status of residence) is the most important 'shikaku' you have.

Kanji Distinction

The 'shi' in shikaku (資) means resources. Think of the 'shell' (貝) radical at the bottom as ancient money.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'She' (shi) + 'Car' (ka) + 'Coo' (ku). She drives her car to the coop to get her chicken-farming qualification.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in a 'Square' (another meaning of 'shikaku', though written differently) holding a golden certificate.

Word Web

Resume Exam License Right Status Study Career JLPT

Challenge

Try to find three 'shikaku' (qualifications) you currently hold and list them in Japanese using the '...no shikaku o motte imasu' pattern.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 資 (shi) and 格 (kaku). It originated from classical Chinese but evolved in Japanese to describe modern professional and social statuses.

Original meaning: 資 meant 'resources' or 'capital,' and 格 meant 'standard,' 'rank,' or 'frame.' Together, they imply the 'standard of resources/ability' one possesses.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone they 'don't have the shikaku' (shikaku ga nai). It is a very strong, often insulting moral judgment.

In English, 'qualification' is often used loosely. In Japan, 'shikaku' is much more formal and usually implies a certificate.

Ningen Shikkaku (No Longer Human) by Osamu Dazai - Uses the antonym 'shikkaku' (disqualification). U-Can commercials - Famous for promoting qualification courses. Shikaku tantei Higurashi Tabito - A drama about a 'qualified detective'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

どんな資格をお持ちですか？
実務に活かせる資格があります。
資格手当はありますか？
資格取得を目指しています。

Education/School

資格試験の対策をする。
教員資格を取りたい。
卒業までに資格を得る。
資格の学校に通う。

Legal/Administrative

応募資格を満たしている。
資格を剥奪される。
投票資格を確認する。
資格外活動の許可。

Interpersonal Conflict

君にそんなことを言う資格はない。
親としての資格を疑う。
資格がない人間だ。
発言する資格がある。

Self-Improvement

新しい資格に挑戦する。
資格マニアと言われる。
趣味で資格を取る。
資格で自分を磨く。

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か資格の勉強をしていますか？ (Are you studying for any qualifications lately?)"

"仕事で一番役に立っている資格は何ですか？ (What qualification is most useful for your work?)"

"日本は資格社会だと思いますか？ (Do you think Japan is a qualification-based society?)"

"将来、どんな資格を取ってみたいですか？ (What kind of qualification would you like to get in the future?)"

"資格があれば、経験がなくても大丈夫だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's okay not to have experience if you have a qualification?)"

Journal Prompts

自分が持っている資格について書いてください。それを選んだ理由は何ですか？ (Write about the qualifications you have. Why did you choose them?)

「資格」と「実力」のどちらが大切だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important: 'qualifications' or 'actual ability'?)

あなたが「〜する資格がない」と感じた経験はありますか？ (Have you ever experienced feeling like you 'have no right/qualification' to do something?)

もし新しい資格を一つだけ取れるとしたら、何を選びますか？ (If you could get just one new qualification, what would you choose?)

あなたの国での「資格」の重要性について説明してください。 (Explain the importance of 'qualifications' in your country.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

JLPT is a 'shikaku' (qualification/certification). It is not a 'menkyo' because you are not legally prohibited from speaking Japanese without it. It serves as proof of your ability.

No, you should use 'menkyo' (免許). Using 'shikaku' for driving sounds like you are talking about the abstract 'right' to drive rather than the legal license.

In anime, it often means 'I am not worthy' or 'I have no right' to do something, usually due to a past mistake or perceived moral failure.

It is a 'qualification allowance,' an extra amount of money added to a Japanese employee's salary if they hold specific professional certifications.

List them in the '免許・資格' (Licenses/Qualifications) section in chronological order, using the formal name and the word '取得' (Acquired).

While a degree provides 'shikaku' (eligibility) for certain jobs, the degree itself is usually called 'gakui' (学位). However, the status of being a graduate is a 'shikaku'.

It is a national qualification regulated by Japanese law. These are generally more prestigious and difficult to obtain than private certifications.

Yes, but it is written with different kanji (四角). The pronunciation is the same, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.

It is a standard noun. To make it polite in speech, you use polite verbs like 'shikaku o motte imasu' or honorifics like 'o-mochi desu'.

It refers to 'credentialism'—the social belief that formal qualifications are the most important factor in determining a person's value or employability.