Translation and Meaning of: 職 - shoku

The Japanese word 職[しょく] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to "employment," "profession," or "occupation," but its use goes beyond the work context. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to practical examples of how this word appears in everyday Japanese. If you want to understand 職[しょく] better, this guide from Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, will help you master its use naturally.

Meaning and usage of 職 [しょく]

In modern Japanese, 職[しょく] is often associated with the world of work. It can mean "job," as in 職を探す (shoku o sagasu - looking for a job), or "profession," as in 職業 (shokugyou - occupation). However, its usage is not limited to the literal sense of paid work. In broader contexts, it can refer to a specialized skill or even a duty.

It is worth noting that 職[しょく] is a noun, but it often appears in compounds with other kanjis. For example, 職場 (shokuba) means "workplace," while 職人 (shokunin) refers to an "artisan" or "master of a craft." These combinations show how the term is rooted in Japanese culture, especially in the appreciation of specialized work.

Origin and writing of the kanji 職

The kanji 職 is composed of two main elements: the radical 耳 (ear) and the component 戠, which was historically associated with "records" or "marks." This combination suggests an ancient relationship with the idea of "hearing orders" or "fulfilling recorded functions." Sources like Kanjipedia and the dictionary 漢字源 indicate that the character originally represented the notion of duties linked to a position.

In modern writing, 職 has 18 strokes and is considered an intermediate level kanji. A helpful tip for memorizing it is to associate the radical 耳 (which appears on the left) with the idea of "listening to instructions at work." The more complex part on the right can be ed as a variation of the kanji 音 (sound), reinforcing the connection with communication in the professional environment.

Cultural context and current usage

In Japan, 職[しょく] carries a connotation of respect for work well done. Unlike more generic like 仕事 (shigoto), which means "work" in a broad sense, 職 often implies specialization and mastery. This is evident in expressions like 職人気質 (shokunin katagi), which describes the pride and dedication of a craftsman to his craft.

Interestingly, research from the National Institute of the Japanese Language shows that 職[しょく] frequently appears in discussions about career and education. It is common to see the term in career counseling materials or in debates about the appreciation of traditional crafts. This popularity reflects how the concept of "profession" is connected to personal identity in contemporary Japanese society.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 仕事 (Shigoto) - Work, occupation; it can refer to specific tasks.
• 職業 (Shokugyou) - Profession, occupation in a broader and more formal sense.
• 職務 (Shokumu) - Duties, specific responsibilities related to the job.
• 職位 (Shokui) - Position, role within an organization.
• 仕える (Tsukaeru) - To serve, to work for someone or an entity.
• 勤める (Tsutomeru) - Working in a company or institution; more related to daily occupation.