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.
ITの分野でキャリアを築きたいです。
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.
彼の職業は医者です。
His occupation is a doctor.
Common word for 'work' or 'job'. In context, it can mean one's career, especially in casual conversation.
将来はどんな仕事をしたいですか？
What kind of career do you want in the future?
Loanword from English, often used for 'career' in the sense of professional advancement or a career path. Common in business contexts.
キャリアアップを目指しています。
I'm aiming for career advancement.
Referring to the entire span of someone's working life, including jobs, achievements, and progression.
Refers to one's personal history or background, especially professional. Used in resumes and formal introductions.
彼の経歴は素晴らしいです。
His career is impressive.
Specifically means 'work history' or 'employment record'. Often used in job applications.
Also used for one's overall career path, especially in modern business settings.
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'.
彼女はキャリアウーマンです。
She is a career woman.
Means 'success in life' or 'advancement', often used for climbing the corporate ladder.
Referring to career counseling, career education, or career choices.
Means 'course' or 'path', often used for educational and career paths, especially for students.
進路指導の先生に相談しました。
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).
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.
仕事は何をしていますか？
What do you do for work?
職業を教えてください。
Please tell me your occupation.
キャリアについて考えています。
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.
彼は長く教師をしていました。
He had a long career as a teacher.
彼女はキャリアの絶頂にいます。
She is at the peak of her career.
転職はますます一般的になっています。
Career change is becoming more common.
転職 (tenshoku) specifically means 'job change' or 'career change'.
職歴を詳しく書いてください。
Please write your career history in detail.
I learned a lot during my long career.
He is on the fast track in his career.
Career education is important.