Translation guide
The English word 'career' refers to a person's professional life, occupation, or long-term work path. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean a job/profession, a lifelong work history, or a high-powered professional track.
I want to build a career in IT.
Referring to the type of work someone does for a living, often with a sense of long-term involvement.
The most general word for 'occupation' or 'profession'. It is neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
His occupation is a doctor.
Common word for 'work' or 'job'. In context, it can mean one's career, especially in casual conversation.
Loanword from English, often used for 'career' in the sense of professional advancement or a career path. Common in business contexts.
Referring to the entire span of someone's working life, including jobs, achievements, and progression.
Referring to a career that involves ambition, advancement, and often a high-status profession.
Often implies a professional career with advancement, as in 'career woman' or 'career track'.
Referring to career counseling, career education, or career choices.
Means 'course' or 'path', often used for educational and career paths, especially for students.
仕事 (shigoto) is the most common word for 'work' or 'job' and can be used casually. 職業 (shokugyou) is more formal and means 'occupation'. キャリア (kyaria) is a loanword that specifically implies a professional career with advancement. Use 仕事 in everyday talk, 職業 on forms, and キャリア when discussing career development.
What do you do for work?
She is at the peak of her career.
What kind of career do you want in the future?
I'm aiming for career advancement.
Refers to one's personal history or background, especially professional. Used in resumes and formal introductions.
His career is impressive.
Specifically means 'work history' or 'employment record'. Often used in job applications.
Please write your career history in detail.
Also used for one's overall career path, especially in modern business settings.
I learned a lot during my long career.
She is a career woman.
Means 'success in life' or 'advancement', often used for climbing the corporate ladder.
He is on the fast track in his career.
I consulted with the career guidance teacher.
Used in compounds like キャリア教育 (career education) or キャリアデザイン (career design).
Career education is important.
職業を教えてください。
Please tell me your occupation.
I'm thinking about my career.
While キャリア is common, it can sound like business jargon if overused. In many contexts, 仕事 or 職業 is more natural. For example, 'He had a long career as a teacher' is better as 彼は長く教師をしていました (He worked as a teacher for a long time) rather than using キャリア.
He had a long career as a teacher.
Career change is becoming more common.
転職 (tenshoku) specifically means 'job change' or 'career change'.