Meaning
Welcome, Japanese learners! Today, we're exploring 職 (shoku), a kanji vital for discussing daily life and the world of work. This kanji primarily means "job," "occupation," "post," or "duty." It's highly versatile and you'll find it in many terms related to employment, careers, and professional roles.
We'll examine its visual components. This complex kanji, with 18 strokes, is usually introduced in Japanese schools around the 6th grade, corresponding to the JLPT N3 level. Its structure offers clues to its historical meaning.
The left part, though visually similar to 耳 (ear), is actually derived from an ancient character representing a tool or implement, hinting at manual labor or a specific craft. The right part is 戈 (hoko), which depicts a halberd or a dagger-axe, a type of weapon. In ancient contexts, this character often symbolized authority, power, or responsibility.
Putting these elements together, one can imagine a person performing a task with a specific tool (the left component) while holding a position of responsibility or duty (represented by 戈). This combination effectively conveys the idea of a "job" or "occupation"—a role that entails specific tasks, skills, and duties, often involving a degree of authority or expertise. It’s not just about simple labor, but about holding a recognized position or craft.
Readings
Like many kanji, 職 has different readings depending on whether it's part of a Chinese-derived word (On'yomi) or a native Japanese word (Kun'yomi).
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 職 is ショク (shoku). This reading appears in almost all compound words related to "job," "occupation," or "duty." It's a core sound you'll encounter frequently in discussions about work in Japanese society.
- 職業 (shokugyou) — This means "occupation" or "profession." It refers to the general type of work a person does.
Example: 将来の職業について考える。
- 職場 (shokuba) — This refers to your "workplace" or "office." It's the physical location where you perform your job.
Example: 私の職場は駅から近い。
- 就職 (shuushoku) — This verb means "finding employment" or "getting a job." This is a significant milestone for many individuals!
Example: 卒業後に就職した。
- 転職 (tenshoku) — This means "changing jobs" or "career change."
Example: 新しい職を探して転職した。
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Interestingly, the kanji 職 has no commonly used Kun'yomi readings! This isn't unusual for kanji that entered the Japanese language primarily to represent concepts from Chinese culture that were new or highly formalized, particularly those related to administrative or specialized professional roles. While some kanji have both On'yomi and Kun'yomi readings, 職 is almost exclusively used with its On'yomi, ショク. This simplifies your learning process for this kanji!
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 職 is highly useful and appears in a wide array of terms related to work and profession. This section explores some common and important compounds you'll encounter, categorized by theme.
General Job & Career Terms
- 職業 (shokugyou) — occupation, profession
This is the most general term for one's livelihood.
- 職務 (shokumu) — duty, task (of one's job)
Refers to the specific responsibilities or tasks inherent in a job.
- 職位 (shokui) — official post, rank, position
Indicates a person's formal position or rank within an organization.
Workplace & Employment Status
- 職場 (shokuba) — workplace, office
The physical location where one works. Crucial for describing one's daily work environment.
- 就職 (shuushoku) — finding employment, getting a job
A significant milestone for students after graduation or anyone embarking on a new career path.
- 転職 (tenshoku) — changing jobs, career change
The act of moving from one job to another, often implying a change in company or even career field.
- 退職 (taishoku) — retirement, resignation
The act of leaving one's job, whether voluntarily (resignation) or due to age (retirement).
- 無職 (mushoku) — unemployment, unemployed person
Describes an individual without employment or the state of unemployment.
- 兼職 (kenshoku) — holding two posts concurrently, plural employment
Refers to having more than one job at the same time.
Specific Types of Jobs & Roles
- 職人 (shokunin) — artisan, craftsman
A person highly skilled in a traditional craft or trade, often possessing a strong dedication to their art.
- 専門職 (senmonshoku) — professional occupation, specialist
A job requiring specialized knowledge or skills, like a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.
- 管理職 (kanrishoku) — management position, managerial post
A role involving supervising others and managing operations within an organization.
- 事務職 (jimushoku) — office job, clerical position
Refers to administrative or clerical work typically performed in an office setting.
Example Sentences
あなたの職業は何ですか？
Anata no shokugyou wa nan desu ka?
What is your occupation?
彼は新しい職場に慣れるのに時間がかかった。
Kare wa atarashii shokuba ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakatta.
It took him time to get used to his new workplace.
卒業までに就職先を見つけたいです。
Sotsugyou made ni shuushoku-saki o mitsuketai desu.
I want to find a job before graduation.
最近、転職する人が増えています。
Saikin, tenshoku suru hito ga fuete imasu.
Recently, the number of people changing jobs is increasing.
彼の職務は非常に重要です。
Kare no shokumu wa hijou ni juuyou desu.
His duties are extremely important.
彼女は経験豊富な職人です。
Kanojo wa keikenhoufu na shokunin desu.
She is an experienced craftsman.
高齢での退職は新しい生活の始まりです。
Kourei de no taishoku wa atarashii seikatsu no hajimari desu.
Retiring at an old age is the beginning of a new life.
私の夢は専門職に就くことです。
Watashi no yume wa senmonshoku ni tsuku koto desu.
My dream is to become a professional (in a specialized occupation).
彼は現在、無職だが仕事を探している。
Kare wa genzai, mushoku da ga shigoto o sagashite iru.
He is currently unemployed but is looking for a job.
Memory Tip
Remembering 職 (shoku) can be a bit challenging due to its complexity, so let's create a memorable story! Visualize a dedicated craftsman (職人). This craftsman needs to listen intently (like an ear, resembling the left part, 耳, of 職) to precise instructions for their project. What tools do they often employ? Perhaps something resembling a small halberd or dagger (戈), like a chisel or a sharp instrument, to execute their skilled job. Thus, a person with a job (職) is akin to a craftsman who listens carefully (the 耳-like component) and skillfully wields their tools (the 戈-like component) to fulfill their duties. This memory aid combines the ideas of "attending carefully to one's duties" and "possessing the authority or skill (like a tool or weapon) to perform them."