Translation guide
The concept of a labour shortage is expressed in Japanese through nouns describing the lack of workers, verbs indicating insufficiency, and phrases highlighting difficulty in securing personnel. The most common and direct term is 人手不足.
To state that there is a shortage of workers or manpower in general.
The most common and direct term for 'labour shortage' or 'manpower shortage'. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
This industry is facing a serious labour shortage.
A more formal term, often used in economic or policy discussions. Emphasizes the lack of labour force.
The labour shortage is hindering economic growth.
Refers to a shortage of talented or skilled personnel, rather than just any workers. Common in business contexts.
The IT industry continues to face a talent shortage.
A casual, everyday way to say 'we don't have enough people'. Used in conversation.
We were short-staffed today and it was tough.
To indicate a shortage of a particular type of worker.
Attach 不足 to a job title or worker type to indicate a shortage of that specific role.
The shortage of nurses is a problem.
Deliveries are delayed due to a driver shortage.
A more colloquial way to say there aren't enough of a certain type of worker.
We don't have enough engineers.
To express that it is hard to find or secure workers.
A common phrase meaning 'it is difficult to secure manpower'. Used in business and formal contexts.
It's difficult to secure workers in rural areas.
Literally 'talent doesn't gather', meaning it's hard to attract workers. Often used in recruitment contexts.
This company struggles to attract talent.
人手不足 is the most general and widely used term for any kind of worker shortage. 労働力不足 is more formal and often used in economic contexts, referring to the overall labour force. 人材不足 specifically refers to a shortage of skilled or talented personnel.
We shortened business hours due to a staff shortage.
Labour shortage is restraining GDP growth.
The talent shortage in the AI field is serious.