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専門とする

B1 verb #2,500 most common 7 min read

専門とする

senmon to suru Top 2,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 専門とする in 30 Seconds

Explanation 専門とする in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '専門とする' (senmon to suru) yet. It is a bit too formal and difficult. Instead, you can use simple words like '好き' (suki - like) or '勉強しています' (benkyou shite imasu - I am studying). For example, instead of saying 'I specialize in Japanese history,' an A1 learner would say 'I am studying Japanese history' (Nihon no rekishi o benkyou shite imasu). The word '専門' (senmon) itself means 'specialty.' You might see it on signs for shops, like a 'Ramen specialty shop' (Ramen senmon-ten). Just remember that 'senmon' means one specific thing that someone is very good at or focuses on.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize the noun '専門' (senmon). You might use the simple pattern '専門は [Field] です' (My specialty is [Field]). This is easier than using the verb phrase '専門とする.' For example, 'My specialty is computer science' (Watashi no senmon wa konpyuuta kagaku desu). You will hear this word when people introduce themselves in a work or school setting. It is important to know that 'senmon' is used for serious things like school subjects or jobs, not for hobbies like 'playing games.' If you use it for hobbies, people might think you are a professional gamer!

At the B1 level, you should start using '専門とする' (senmon to suru) in formal situations. This is the level where you move beyond simple descriptions and start using professional Japanese. You use the particle 'を' (wo) with this phrase. For example, 'I specialize in economics' (Watashi wa keizaigaku o senmon to shite imasu). This phrase is very useful for job interviews or when meeting new colleagues. You should also understand that '専門とする' can describe other people. If you see a doctor, they might be 'a doctor specializing in the heart' (shinzou o senmon to suru ishi). It sounds much more professional than just saying 'a heart doctor.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '専門とする' naturally in written and spoken Japanese. You should understand the nuance between this and '専攻する' (senkou suru - to major in). '専攻' is for students, while '専門とする' is for your professional life. You can also use it in the potential or passive forms if necessary, though they are rare. More importantly, you should be able to use it as a noun modifier: '〜を専門とする企業' (a company specializing in...). At this level, you should also be comfortable with related terms like '専門家' (senmonka - expert) and '専門知識' (senmon chishiki - specialized knowledge).

At the C1 level, you use '専門とする' to define your niche within a broader field. You might say, 'While I am a lawyer, I specifically specialize in intellectual property rights' (Bengoshi desu ga, toku ni chiteki zaisanken o senmon to shite imasu). You will encounter this phrase in academic papers, legal contracts, and high-level business negotiations. You should also be aware of the humble versions used in Keigo (honorific Japanese), such as '専門とさせていただいております.' At this level, you understand the cultural weight of the word—how it implies a lifelong dedication to a single 'gate' (門) of knowledge.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '専門とする' and its stylistic variations. You can distinguish it from '特化する' (to specialize/optimize) and '専修する' (to devote oneself to a study). You understand how to use it in complex literary or rhetorical contexts. For example, you might discuss how a writer 'specializes in the depiction of urban loneliness.' You also understand the historical development of the term in the Japanese education system during the Meiji era. You can use the phrase to subtly establish authority without sounding arrogant, choosing the exact level of formality required for the social hierarchy of the situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

専門とする in 30 Seconds

Professional way to say 'specialize in'.
Used for academic majors and career niches.
Follows the 'Field を専門とする' grammar pattern.
Common in resumes, introductions, and institutional descriptions.

The Japanese verb phrase 専門とする (senmon to suru) is a cornerstone of professional and academic self-introduction. At its core, it translates to 'to specialize in' or 'to make something one's specialty.' Linguistically, it is composed of the noun senmon (specialty/expertise) combined with the particle to and the verb suru (to do/to make), effectively meaning 'to act with [X] as one's exclusive field.'

The Nuance of Choice: Unlike simply saying you are 'good at' something (tokui), 専門とする implies a deliberate, professional, or academic commitment. It suggests that out of all possible fields, you have narrowed your focus to this specific area for your career or research.

彼は近現代文学を専門とする教授です。
(He is a professor who specializes in modern and contemporary literature.)

In Japanese society, where the concept of the 'shokunin' (craftsman) or the 'expert' is highly valued, using this phrase conveys a sense of authority and dedication. It is most commonly heard in universities, hospitals, law firms, and during formal business introductions. When you use this phrase, you are signaling to your listener that you possess deep, non-general knowledge about the subject matter.

Grammatical Structure: The standard pattern is [Field/Subject] + を + 専門とする. Because it is a verb phrase, it can easily be turned into an adjective phrase to modify a noun, such as 'specializing in [X] doctor' (〜を専門とする医師).

Historically, the word senmon (専門) comes from roots meaning 'exclusive' (専) and 'gate' (門). This 'exclusive gate' metaphor perfectly describes the high barrier to entry and the narrow focus required to truly master a field. In the modern era, this has expanded beyond traditional crafts to include everything from 'quantum mechanics' to 'digital marketing.'

当院は小児科を専門とする医療機関です。
(This clinic is a medical institution that specializes in pediatrics.)

Whether you are a student choosing a major or a professional defining your niche, 専門とする is the definitive way to express your area of focus. It bridges the gap between 'what I study' and 'who I am as a professional.'

Using 専門とする requires an understanding of Japanese sentence particles and formality levels. While the core meaning remains 'to specialize,' the way it fits into a sentence can change depending on whether you are describing yourself, someone else, or a business entity.

The Direct Object Pattern: The most common way to use the phrase is with the particle を (wo).
Structure: [Person/Entity] は [Field] を専門とする。
Example: 彼女は人工知能を専門としています。(She specializes in Artificial Intelligence.)

私は国際法を専門として研究を続けています。
(I am continuing my research, specializing in international law.)

When describing a person's role, the phrase often functions as an adjectival clause. In Japanese, verbs can modify nouns directly. By placing 専門とする before a noun like 'lawyer' (bengoshi) or 'engineer' (gishitsu), you create a compound description.

Noun Modification: Structure: [Field] を専門とする [Noun]
Example: 著作権を専門とする弁護士 (A lawyer specializing in copyright.)

Formality is key. Using 専門とする in its dictionary form is common in written profiles, while 専門としています is the standard polite (teineigo) form for speaking. If you are speaking very formally (keigo), you might use 専門とさせていただいております, though this is quite heavy and usually reserved for very humble self-introductions in high-stakes business meetings.

このレストランはフランス料理を専門とするシェフを招いています。
(This restaurant has invited a chef who specializes in French cuisine.)

It is also important to note that 専門とする is usually used for broad fields or established disciplines. You wouldn't typically say you 'specialize in washing dishes' unless it is a highly technical industrial process. It carries a weight of professional expertise.

Understanding the context of 専門とする helps you recognize the social status and professional level of the speaker. This is not a word you would typically hear in a casual conversation between friends at a bar, unless the topic has turned serious regarding their careers.

Academic Environments: Universities are the primary 'home' for this phrase. Professors use it to describe their research niche. Students use it when discussing their thesis focus. You will see it on every academic staff page in Japan.

「先生の専門とする領域は何ですか？」
(Professor, what is the area you specialize in?)

In the medical world, this phrase is vital. Because Japanese healthcare often involves general clinics referring patients to specialists, the phrase 〜を専門とする医師 (a doctor specializing in...) is used to clarify who has the necessary expertise for a specific condition. Hospitals will list their departments using this terminology.

Corporate and B2B: In business-to-business (B2B) marketing, companies use this phrase to define their market niche. 'We specialize in logistics' or 'We specialize in cybersecurity.' It builds trust by showing focus.

Job interviews are another high-frequency location. When an interviewer asks, 'What are your strengths?' (Tsuyomi wa nani desu ka?), answering with 'I specialize in [X]' using 専門としています sounds much more professional than saying 'I am good at [X].' It implies you have formal training and a track record.

弊社は、中小企業の経営コンサルティングを専門とする会社です。
(Our company is a firm that specializes in management consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises.)

Finally, you will see this in legal documents and contracts. When a contract defines the scope of work, it might specify that the contractor 'specializes in' certain tasks, thereby setting expectations for the quality of work to be delivered.

While 専門とする is a useful phrase, its formal nature makes it easy to misuse in casual or inappropriate contexts. Here are the most common pitfalls for English speakers learning Japanese.

Mistake 1: Using it for Hobbies: In English, we might jokingly say, 'I specialize in eating pizza.' In Japanese, using 専門とする for a hobby sounds bizarre and overly stiff. Unless you are a professional food critic or a pizza chef, use 得意 (tokui - good at) or 好き (suki - like).

❌ 私はビデオゲームを専門とする。
✅ 私はビデオゲームが大好きです。
(Unless you are an e-sports pro or researcher, the first one sounds like you are writing a scientific paper on your gaming.)

Another mistake is confusing 専門とする with 専攻する (senkou suru). While they both relate to specialization, 専攻する is used specifically for university majors. You 'major in' (senkou) history as a student, but once you are a researcher, you 'specialize in' (senmon to suru) history.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Learners often use に (ni) instead of を (wo). While '〜に専門がある' exists, the verb phrase 専門とする strictly takes を as the object marker for the field of expertise.

Lastly, be careful with the level of formality. If you are talking to a close friend about your job, 専門としてる (dropping the 'i') might still sound a bit too 'work-mode.' In casual settings, people often say '〜の仕事をしてる' (I do [X] work) or '〜がメインかな' (X is my main thing).

❌ 彼は嘘をつくことを専門とする。
(He specializes in lying - this sounds like 'lying' is a legitimate academic discipline.)

Remember: 専門とする is for legitimate, recognized fields of study or professional practice. Using it outside of these areas can come across as sarcastic, arrogant, or simply linguistically 'off.'

Japanese has several ways to express expertise. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are a student, a professional, or just someone with a hobby. Here is how 専門とする compares to its synonyms.

専攻する (Senkou suru): This is used exclusively for academic majors. If you are a college student, you say 'I major in Economics' (Keizaigaku wo senkou shite imasu). 専門とする is broader and can be used by anyone in their career, not just students.

大学では心理学を専攻しましたが、今はマーケティングを専門としています。
(I majored in psychology in college, but now I specialize in marketing.)

特化する (Tokka suru): This means 'to specialize' in the sense of 'to optimize for' or 'to focus exclusively on one thing.' It is often used for businesses or products. 'This smartphone is specialized for photography' (Kono sumaho wa shashin ni tokka shite iru).

Another alternative is 専門に扱う (senmon ni atsukau), which means 'to handle [X] as a specialty.' This is very common for shops or service providers. A bookstore might 'exclusively handle' (senmon ni atsukau) rare books.

得意分野 (Tokui bunya): This means 'area of expertise' or 'strong suit.' It is less formal than 専門とする. You might say, 'Programming is my strong suit' (Puroguramingu ga watashi no tokui bunya desu) in a casual team meeting.

In summary, choose 専門とする when you want to sound like a professional describing your established field of work or research. It is the most 'standard' and 'respectable' way to define your career niche in the Japanese language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, 'Mon' referred to the literal gates of family compounds or temples. Studying within a specific 'gate' meant you were a disciple of that specific lineage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sen.mon to sɯ.ɾɯ/

US /sen.mon to sʊ.ru/

Japanese does not use stress accent like English; it uses pitch accent. In 'senmon', the pitch typically rises on 'n'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '専' and '門' correctly is essential.

Speaking 3/5

The phrase is long but follows a logical structure.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in formal introductions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

専門する勉強仕事分野

Learn Next

専攻する特化する専門知識精通する携わる

Advanced

造詣が深い専修専売特許プロフェッショナルスペシャリスト

Grammar to Know

〜を〜とする

彼をリーダーとするチーム。

Noun + としている (State)

彼はその問題を重要としている。

Particle を vs が with Suru-verbs

テニスをする vs テニスができる。

Relative Clauses with Verbs

日本に住んでいる友達。

Humble form (Orimasu)

お待ちしております。

Examples by Level

私の専門は日本語です。

My specialty is Japanese.

Uses the simple 'A wa B desu' pattern.

ここはラーメン専門のお店です。

This is a shop specializing in ramen.

Uses 'senmon' as a noun modifier.

田中さんの専門は何ですか？

What is Mr. Tanaka's specialty?

Asking a question about someone's field.

私の専門はカメラです。

My specialty is cameras.

Simple noun usage.

専門の先生に聞きます。

I will ask a specialized teacher.

Using 'senmon no' to modify a person.

これは専門的な本です。

This is a technical/specialized book.

Using the adjective 'senmon-teki'.

父の専門は歴史です。

My father's specialty is history.

Possessive 'no' with 'senmon'.

専門家になりたいです。

I want to become an expert.

Using 'senmonka' (expert).

大学で何を専門にしますか？

What will you specialize in at university?

Uses 'senmon ni suru' (to make something a specialty).

彼はテニスを専門に教えています。

He teaches tennis as his specialty.

Using 'senmon ni' as an adverb.

この病院は目を専門にしています。

This hospital specializes in eyes.

Polite form of 'senmon ni suru'.

専門の言葉は難しいです。

Specialized words (terminology) are difficult.

Noun modification.

彼女は数学を専門に勉強しています。

She is studying mathematics as her specialty.

Combining 'senmon ni' with a verb.

私はまだ専門が決まっていません。

I haven't decided on my specialty yet.

Negative form with 'kimaru'.

専門のお店で買いました。

I bought it at a specialty shop.

Describing where an action took place.

あなたの専門分野は何ですか？

What is your field of expertise?

Using 'senmon bunya' (field of expertise).

私はITを専門としています。

I specialize in IT.

Standard 'wo senmon to suru' pattern.

彼は心臓外科を専門とする医師です。

He is a doctor who specializes in heart surgery.

Using the phrase to modify a noun (ishi).

この会社は輸出を専門としています。

This company specializes in exports.

Describing a business focus.

将来は環境問題を専門としたいです。

In the future, I want to specialize in environmental issues.

Expressing desire with '~tai'.

彼女は江戸時代の歴史を専門として研究しています。

She is researching, specializing in the history of the Edo period.

Using 'senmon to shite' as an adverbial phrase.

この法律事務所は離婚問題を専門としています。

This law firm specializes in divorce issues.

Formal business description.

彼はスポーツ医学を専門とする教授です。

He is a professor specializing in sports medicine.

Academic title description.

専門外のことについては分かりません。

I don't know about things outside my specialty.

Using 'senmongai' (outside of specialty).

当サイトは中古車販売を専門としております。

This website specializes in the sale of used cars.

Extra-polite form 'shite orimasu'.

彼は量子力学を専門とする若手研究者だ。

He is a young researcher specializing in quantum mechanics.

Formal written style with 'da'.

この雑誌はファッションを専門とする読者を対象にしている。

This magazine targets readers who specialize in fashion.

Targeting a specific demographic.

特定の分野を専門とすることで、スキルを高めることができる。

By specializing in a specific field, you can improve your skills.

Using the phrase as a condition/method.

彼は翻訳の中でも、特に技術翻訳を専門としている。

Among translation types, he specifically specializes in technical translation.

Narrowing down a field with 'toku ni'.

その大学はロボット工学を専門とする研究機関を持っている。

The university has a research institution that specializes in robotics.

Describing an institution's focus.

専門としない分野の仕事を引き受けるのは危険だ。

It is dangerous to take on work in a field you do not specialize in.

Negative noun modification.

彼は長年、熱帯魚の飼育を専門としてきた。

He has specialized in breeding tropical fish for many years.

Present perfect form '~te kita'.

弊社はサイバーセキュリティ対策を専門とするコンサルティング会社です。

Our company is a consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity measures.

High-level business introduction.

その教授は、中世ヨーロッパの経済史を専門としていることで知られる。

That professor is known for specializing in the economic history of medieval Europe.

Passive construction 'shira reru'.

希少疾患の治療を専門とする医師の数は限られている。

The number of doctors specializing in the treatment of rare diseases is limited.

Complex subject phrase.

彼は、古典文学の注釈を専門とする地道な作業に従事している。

He is engaged in the steady work of specializing in the annotation of classical literature.

Describing a specific type of professional activity.

このプログラムは、データサイエンスを専門としたい学生向けに設計されている。

This program is designed for students who want to specialize in data science.

Describing the purpose of a curriculum.

知的財産権を専門とする弁護士に相談することをお勧めします。

I recommend consulting with a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property rights.

Formal recommendation.

彼は、抽象画の修復を専門とする数少ない技術者の一人だ。

He is one of the few technicians who specialize in the restoration of abstract paintings.

Emphasizing rarity.

特定のジャンルを専門とせず、幅広く活動するアーティストもいる。

There are also artists who do not specialize in a specific genre and operate broadly.

Negative conjunctive form 'to sezu'.

深海生物の生態を専門とする彼の研究は、国際的に高く評価されている。

His research, specializing in the ecology of deep-sea organisms, is highly acclaimed internationally.

Integrating specialization into a complex success narrative.

彼は憲法学を専門とする傍ら、社会活動家としても著名である。

While specializing in constitutional law, he is also prominent as a social activist.

Using 'katawara' (while/alongside) with specialization.

当該分野を専門とする有識者会議によって、新たな指針が策定された。

New guidelines were formulated by a committee of experts specializing in the relevant field.

Formal bureaucratic/governmental language.

彼女は、源氏物語の言語学的解析を専門とする学術界の権威だ。

She is an authority in the academic world specializing in the linguistic analysis of The Tale of Genji.

Combining specialization with 'authority' (ken-i).

この研究室は、極限環境下での材料工学を専門としている。

This laboratory specializes in materials engineering under extreme environments.

Describing a niche scientific research focus.

専門とするところの学問に埋没し、世事には疎い学者も少なくない。

There are many scholars who bury themselves in the discipline they specialize in and are ignorant of worldly affairs.

Literary construction 'senmon to suru tokoro no'.

彼は、バロック音楽の演奏法を専門とするチェンバロ奏者である。

He is a harpsichordist who specializes in the performance practice of Baroque music.

Defining a professional artistic niche.

行政法を専門とする立場から言えば、この決定には法的な不備がある。

Speaking from the standpoint of specializing in administrative law, there are legal flaws in this decision.

Using 'tachiba kara' (from the standpoint of).

Common Collocations

研究を専門とする

治療を専門とする

販売を専門とする

法律を専門とする

教育を専門とする

開発を専門とする

翻訳を専門とする

設計を専門とする

コンサルティングを専門とする

修理を専門とする

Common Phrases

専門外

— Outside of one's specialty. Used to decline a request or explain lack of knowledge.

それは私の専門外ですので、分かりかねます。

専門家

— An expert or specialist in a particular field.

専門家の意見を聞く必要があります。

専門知識

— Specialized knowledge or technical expertise.

この仕事には高度な専門知識が求められる。

専門用語

— Technical terms or jargon specific to a field.

専門用語が多くて理解するのが大変だ。

専門学校

— Vocational school or technical college.

彼は料理の専門学校に通っている。

専門分野

— One's field of expertise.

あなたの専門分野について教えてください。

専門書

— A technical book or academic text on a specific subject.

図書館で専門書を探す。

専門職

— A professional occupation requiring specialized skills.

医師や弁護士は専門職だ。

専門医

— A medical specialist (e.g., cardiologist).

心臓の専門医に診てもらう。

専門誌

— A specialized magazine or professional journal.

建築の専門誌を購読している。

Often Confused With

専門とする vs 専攻する

Used for university majors. 'Senmon to suru' is for the broader professional field.

専門とする vs 特化する

Means 'to optimize for'. 'Senmon to suru' means 'to have as a specialty'.

専門とする vs 得意とする

Means 'to be good at'. 'Senmon to suru' implies formal training or a career focus.

Idioms & Expressions

"餅は餅屋"

— Mochi is best from the mochi shop. It means leave it to the experts.

修理はプロに任せよう。餅は餅屋だ。

Proverbial

"門前の小僧習わぬ経を読む"

— A boy living near a temple learns to recite sutras without being taught. Environment matters for expertise.

彼は専門家ではないが、環境のおかげで詳しい。

Literary

"一芸に秀でる"

— To excel in one specific art or skill.

彼は一芸に秀でた才能を持っている。

Formal

"専門の域に達する"

— To reach a professional level of skill or knowledge.

彼の趣味はすでに専門の域に達している。

Formal

"多芸は無芸"

— Jack of all trades, master of none. The opposite of specializing.

色々手を出すより、一つを専門とする方がいい。多芸は無芸だ。

Proverbial

"奥義を極める"

— To master the innermost secrets of a specialized craft.

彼は茶道の奥義を極めた。

High Formal

"看板を掲げる"

— To hang out a shingle; to officially start a specialized business.

彼はついに自分の法律事務所の看板を掲げた。

Idiomatic

"腕を磨く"

— To polish one's skills in a specialized field.

料理人としてさらに腕を磨きたい。

Neutral

"一家言を持つ"

— To have one's own specialized opinion or philosophy on a subject.

彼はコーヒーの淹れ方について一家言持っている。

Formal

"畑違い"

— Being in a completely different field; out of one's element.

営業から開発への異動は、彼にとって畑違いだった。

Informal

Easily Confused

専門とする vs 専門

It is the noun form.

Noun vs Verb. Use 'senmon' for 'My specialty is...' and 'senmon to suru' for 'I specialize in...'.

専門は数学です vs 数学を専門とする。

専門とする vs 専攻

Both involve focusing on a subject.

Senkou is academic/student-focused. Senmon to suru is professional/research-focused.

大学で歴史を専攻する。

専門とする vs 特化

Both mean specialize.

Tokka is used for products, systems, or narrow strategies. Senmon is for people and organizations.

AIに特化したチップ。

専門とする vs 精通

Both imply high knowledge.

Seitsuu means being 'well-versed' or 'thoroughly familiar' with something, regardless of career.

彼は裏事情に精通している。

専門とする vs 専念

Both involve focus.

Sennen means to 'devote oneself' to something for a period of time, like a project.

育児に専念する。

Sentence Patterns

[Field] を専門とする [Noun]

経済を専門とする学生

[Person] は [Field] を専門としている

田中さんは法律を専門としている

[Field] を専門とするにいたる

彼は物理学を専門とするにいたった

[Field] を専門とする立場から

歴史を専門とする立場から意見を述べる

[Field] を専門とさせていただく

本日はデザインを専門とさせていただく私が説明します

[Field] を専門とする一方で

彼女は数学を専門とする一方で、音楽も愛している

[Field] を専門とするところの

我々が専門とするところの技術

[Field] を専門とするに足る

彼はその分野を専門とするに足る知識を持っている

Word Family

Nouns

専門 (Specialty)

専門家 (Expert)

専門性 (Specialization/Expertise)

専門分野 (Field)

Verbs

専門とする (To specialize)

専門にする (To make a specialty)

Adjectives

専門的 (Specialized/Technical)

専攻

専売

専用

専念

専心

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional and academic settings; low in domestic or casual settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 'に' instead of 'を'. → 経済を専門とする。
English speakers translate 'specialize in' directly, but Japanese grammar requires the object particle 'wo'.
Using it for casual hobbies. → 料理が得意です。
Saying 'I specialize in cooking' at a home party sounds like you are a professional chef giving a lecture.
Confusing 'Senmon' with 'Senkou' as a student. → 大学で歴史を専攻しています。
While 'senmon' is okay, 'senkou' is the standard word for a university major.
Using it for very general tasks. → 事務の仕事をしています。
You don't 'specialize' in general office work; you just do it. Specialization implies a niche skill.
Incorrect honorifics in business. → 〜を専門としております。
Using the plain form 'shite iru' to a client can sound a bit too casual or blunt.

Tips

Watch the Particle

Always use 'を' with '専門とする'. Using 'に' is a common mistake for English speakers who think 'specialize IN'.

Resume Power

Using this phrase in your Japanese resume immediately makes you look like a serious professional with a clear focus.

Humility Matters

In business, use '専門としております' to be humble while still showing your expertise.

Student vs Pro

Remember: Students 'senkou' (major), Pros 'senmon to suru' (specialize).

Kanji Recognition

Focus on the 'Mon' (gate) kanji. It visually represents the entry point into a field of knowledge.

Networking

When meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting, asking 'ご専門は何ですか？' is a very polite and standard question.

Noun Modification

You can use the phrase as an adjective: [Field]を専門とする[Noun]. This is very common for job titles.

Expert Respect

In Japan, being a 'specialist' is highly respected. Don't be afraid to claim a niche.

News Introductions

Listen to how news anchors introduce guests. They almost always use this phrase to explain why the person is qualified to speak.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more modern, 'スペシャリスト' (specialist) is also used, but '専門とする' is more traditional and formal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Senmon' as a 'Send-Man'—a man you send for when you need a specific expert. 'To suru' is the action of making him that expert.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of many gates, but they choose to enter only one gate marked with a golden key. That gate is their 'Mon'.

Word Web

Research Major Expert Career Niche Focus Degree Authority

Challenge

Try to introduce yourself in Japanese using '〜を専門としています' for your current job or study area three times today.

Word Origin

The word 'Senmon' entered the Japanese lexicon through Chinese characters (Kanji). 'Sen' (専) means sole, exclusive, or focused. 'Mon' (門) means gate, school, or department.

Original meaning: Focusing on a single 'gate' of knowledge or a specific school of thought.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound boastful. Using '〜を専門としております' (humble) is better than '〜を専門としている' (plain) when meeting superiors.

In English, we use 'major in' for school and 'specialize in' for work. Japanese uses different words for these, but '専門とする' is the most versatile for professional life.

The term is frequently used in the 'Doctor-X' TV drama series to describe surgical specialties. Academic profiles of Nobel Prize winners like Shinya Yamanaka often use this phrase. Japanese government white papers use it to define industrial focus areas.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University

何を専門としていますか？
教授の専門とする分野
専門科目の単位
専門性を高める

Job Interview

〜を専門としてきました
私の専門とするスキル
御社の専門とする事業
専門知識を活かす

Hospital

内科を専門とする医師
専門医の診察
専門的な治療
専門病院

Business Introduction

弊社は〜を専門としております
専門コンサルタント
専門的な立場から
専門分野の共有

Research Paper

本稿では〜を専門とする立場から
専門文献の調査
専門的な知見
専門領域の拡大

Conversation Starters

"大学ではどのような分野を専門としていましたか？"

"お仕事では、具体的に何を専門とされていますか？"

"もし新しく何かを専門とするなら、何を選びますか？"

"専門とする分野で一番大変なことは何ですか？"

"専門外のことで、興味があることはありますか？"

Journal Prompts

自分のこれまでのキャリアや学習の中で、何を専門としてきたか振り返ってみましょう。

将来、どのような分野を専門とするプロフェッショナルになりたいですか？

専門とする分野を持つことのメリットとデメリットについて書いてください。

あなたが尊敬する、特定の分野を専門とする人物について説明してください。

今の仕事や勉強で、もっと専門性を深めたい部分はどこですか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. It sounds too formal and professional. If you say you specialize in 'watching movies,' people will think you are a film critic or researcher. Use '趣味' (shumi) or '大好き' (daisuki) instead.

'専門とする' is slightly more formal and is often used in writing or formal introductions. '専門にする' is more common in spoken Japanese and feels a bit more active, like 'I chose to make this my specialty.'

Yes, it is very common for companies to describe their business niche this way. For example, 'Our company specializes in recruitment' (弊社は採用を専門としております).

Yes, '専門としていた' (senmon to shite ita) means 'I used to specialize in...' This is useful when talking about your previous career or research background.

The most common and correct particle is 'を' (wo). '〜を専門とする' is the standard grammatical structure.

Yes, if you are a professional athlete or a coach. 'He specializes in the 100m sprint' (彼は100メートル走を専門としている).

Absolutely! It is a key phrase for B1 learners to sound more professional and move beyond basic student-level Japanese.

You can say '特に専門としている分野はありません' (I don't have a particular field I specialize in).

It means 'field of expertise.' It's the noun phrase often used in the question 'What is your field of expertise?' (専門分野は何ですか？).

In casual talk, people just say '専門は？' (Your specialty?) or '〜が専門です' (X is my specialty).