Translation guide
The English word 'apprentice' refers to a person learning a trade from a skilled employer. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on context: traditional crafts, modern workplaces, or historical settings. The most direct equivalent is 見習い (minarai), but other terms like 弟子 (deshi) or 研修生 (kenshūsei) may be more appropriate depending on the situation.
A person who is learning a job or skill under supervision, often in a modern or general context.
The most common and versatile word for 'apprentice'. It can be used in many contexts, from traditional crafts to modern jobs. It implies learning by observing and assisting.
彼は大工の見習いです。
He is a carpenter's apprentice.
見習い期間は半年です。
The apprenticeship period is six months.
Often used for 'trainee' in a company or formal training program. It emphasizes structured training rather than the traditional master-apprentice relationship.
新入社員は研修生として働きます。
New employees work as trainees.
Refers to a 'practical trainee' or 'intern', often in technical or vocational settings. It highlights hands-on practice.
彼女は美容師の実習生です。
She is a hairdresser's apprentice.
A person learning a traditional skill, art, or trade under a master, often with a strong personal bond and long-term commitment.
The standard word for 'disciple' or 'apprentice' in traditional arts, crafts, or martial arts. It implies a close master-student relationship.
彼は有名な陶芸家の弟子です。
He is an apprentice of a famous potter.
弟子入りする。
To become an apprentice (to a master).
A live-in apprentice who resides with the master and receives intensive training. Common in traditional arts like kabuki or rakugo.
A more formal term for a student or apprentice under a particular master or school. Often used in academic or artistic contexts.
A young person just starting to learn a trade, often with a connotation of inexperience.
Literally 'young monk', but often used for a young apprentice or errand boy in a shop or trade. Can sound old-fashioned or slightly derogatory.
彼は昔、魚屋の小僧だった。
He used to be an apprentice at a fish shop.
Historical term for a young apprentice or servant in a merchant house. Rarely used today except in historical contexts.
見習い (minarai) is a general term for an apprentice or trainee in any field, emphasizing learning by observation. 弟子 (deshi) implies a deeper, often lifelong master-disciple relationship, common in traditional arts, crafts, and martial arts. Use 見習い for modern workplaces and 弟子 for traditional settings.
In English, 'apprentice' can be used loosely for any beginner. In Japanese, directly translating 'I'm an apprentice' as 私は見習いです can sound unnatural if you are just new to a hobby. Instead, use 初心者 (beginner) or 勉強中 (learning).
He became a live-in apprentice in his teens.
彼はその書道家の門下生です。
He is an apprentice of that calligrapher.
In the Edo period, apprentices underwent harsh training.