Translation and Meaning of: 業績 - gyouseki

The Japanese word 業績 (ぎょうせき, gyōseki) is a term frequently used in professional and academic contexts, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about how Japanese people evaluate performance and results, understanding this word is essential. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively.

業績 is one of those words that frequently appears in corporate reports, discussions about goals, and even in school evaluations. Its usage reflects important values in Japanese culture, such as discipline and the pursuit of excellence. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to explain not only what words mean but how they are lived in Japan. Shall we get started?

Meaning and Translation of 業績

業績 can be translated as "performance," "results," or "achievements." It is composed of two kanji: 業 (gyō), meaning "work" or "business," and 績 (seki), which refers to "achievements" or "records." Together, these characters form a word that represents the fruits of continuous effort.

Unlike words like 成果 (seika, "concrete results"), 業績 carries a broader nuance, encoming not only what has been achieved but also the process behind it. For example, in a company, 業績 can refer to both quarterly profits and operational efficiency throughout the year.

Use of the Word in Everyday Japanese

In the corporate environment, 業績 is a key term. Phrases like 業績が伸びる (gyōseki ga nobiru, "results are improving") or 業績を上げる (gyōseki o ageru, "achieve good results") are common in meetings and reports. It also appears in academic contexts, such as when a professor comments on a student's 業績 in research.

It is worth noting that, although it is a neutral word, its use often reflects the Japanese culture of valuing collective effort. You will hardly see 業績 being used for exaggerated individual praise – it is more associated with measurable and shared achievements.

Tips for Memorizing 業績

An effective way to fix 業績 is to associate its kanjis with mental images. The character 業 resembles a person working under a roof (represented by the radical 木), while 績 can be linked to the idea of threads (糸) being woven into something concrete. Together, they form the idea of "work that generates a tangible record."

Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical sentences, such as 今期の業績はどうですか？ (kinki no gyōseki wa dō desu ka?, "How are the results for this period?"). Repeating these structures helps to memorize not only the word but also its natural usage.

Curiosities About 業績

According to the digital dictionary 大辞林, 業績 originally had a meaning more related to historical or academic achievements. Over time, its usage expanded into the business world, reflecting Japan's modernization in the 20th century. Today, it is one of the 5,000 most used words in newspapers and official documents.

A common mistake among students is to confuse 業績 with 実績 (jisseki), which has a nuance more focused on results that have already been established. While 実績 refers to what has been done, 業績 also includes potential and the journey taken – a subtle but important difference in professional conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 成績 (Seiseki) - Performance, grades, or results of an assessment; it may refer to academic results.
• 実績 (Jisseki) - Concrete results, achievements, or accomplishments in a certain context, such as at work.
• 結果 (Kekka) - Final result of an action or event; what is obtained after a process.
• 功績 (Kouseki) - Notable contributions or achievements, especially in a context of merit or value.
• 業績 (Gyouseki) - Business results or performance in a company, reflecting success or profit.