Translation guide
In Japanese, job titles are expressed differently depending on context: introducing oneself, referring to others, or in formal documents. The most common pattern is [organization]の[role]です.
To state your own or someone else's job title in a neutral or polite way.
The standard pattern for stating a job title. Use です for polite speech. For 'I am a teacher at ABC School', say ABC学校の教師です.
私はABC株式会社のエンジニアです。
I am an engineer at ABC Corporation.
He is a professor at the University of Tokyo.
A slightly more conversational way to say what you do. Literally 'I am doing the role of...'. Often used when the organization is already known.
今、マネージャーをしています。
I'm currently working as a manager.
Literally 'title' as in a formal designation. Used when asking 'What is your official title?' but not for self-introduction.
彼の肩書きは何ですか？
What is his official title?
To inquire about a person's position or role in a company.
Polite and common way to ask 'What is your job?'. Can be used in most situations.
お仕事は何ですか？
What is your job?
More formal and respectful. Suitable for business settings or when speaking to someone of higher status.
田中さんはどのようなお仕事をされていますか？
What kind of work do you do, Mr. Tanaka?
Specifically asks for 'position' or 'title' within an organization. More direct and used in formal contexts.
新しい役職は何ですか？
What is your new title/position?
To read or write a job title in a formal, often written context.
The formal term for 'job title' as it appears on business cards or official documents.
名刺に役職名を印刷してください。
Please print the job title on the business card.
A more bureaucratic term for 'position' or 'rank', often used in HR contexts.
職位に応じて給与が決まります。
Salary is determined according to job rank.
The direct translation 'ジョブタイトル' is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Use 役職名 or 肩書き for formal titles, or simply describe the role with [organization]の[role]です.
When stating your own job title, you can often omit 私は (I) if the context is clear. For example, simply saying 'ABCの田中です。エンジニアです。' is natural.