Translation and Meaning of: 専攻 - senkou

The Japanese word 専攻 (せんこう) is an essential term for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning relates to "specialization" or "field of study," and it is widely used in academic and professional contexts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities about its origin and writing. If you want to better understand how Japanese people talk about their careers and education, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 専攻

専攻 is composed of the kanjis 専 (specialized) and 攻 (attack, study), forming the idea of "dedication to a specific field." In practice, this word often appears in conversations about college, courses, and professions. For example, when asking "What is your specialization?", a Japanese person would say: あなたの専攻は何ですか？ (Anata no senkō wa nan desu ka?).

It is worth noting that 専攻 is not limited to the university environment. It can also be used to describe someone's specialization in a job or hobby. However, its most common use is still linked to education, especially in discussions about graduation and research.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The combination of the kanjis in 専攻 is not random. The character 専 carries the notion of exclusivity, while 攻, although originally related to "attack," has taken on the meaning of "delving deeply" into a subject. This duality reflects well the concept of dedicating oneself intensely to a single area.

It is interesting to note that 攻 also appears in words like 研究 (kenkyū - research), reinforcing its connection with study and investigation. This link helps to understand why 専攻 is so associated with academic environments in Japan.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to solidify 専攻 is to associate it with real-life situations. Think about how you would describe your course or profession in Japanese. Phrases like 私の専攻は経済学です (My major is economics) are great for practicing. Repeating this type of construction out loud helps internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention to the use of this word in school-themed dramas or animes. Series like "Rikei ga Koi" (理系が恋), which talks about college students, often use 専攻 frequently. Observing these contexts makes learning easier in a natural way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 専門 (senmon) - Specialty, area of expertise.
• 専修 (senshu) - Specialized study, specific course within a field.
• 専攻分野 (senkō bun'ya) - Area of specialization or major course within a discipline.
• 専門分野 (senmon bun'ya) - Specialized field, generally with a more restricted focus than "専攻分野".