Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'office worker' is most commonly expressed with 会社員 (kaishain), which specifically means a company employee. There are also more general terms like サラリーマン (salaryman) for male white-collar workers, and OL (office lady) for female office workers, though these carry gender and cultural connotations. The choice depends on context, formality, and gender.
To refer to someone who works for a company in an office setting, without specifying gender or role.
The standard, neutral term for a company employee. It implies working for a company, typically in an office, but does not specify the type of work. Suitable for both men and women.
To refer to someone engaged in professional, managerial, or administrative work, not necessarily tied to a single company.
The direct translation 'オフィスワーカー' is understood but sounds unnatural and is rarely used. Stick to 会社員 or context-appropriate terms.
会社員 is the safest, most neutral choice for any gender. サラリーマン is specifically male and carries cultural baggage about corporate life. OL is female-specific and can be seen as outdated. In formal writing or when gender is unknown, use 会社員.
He is an office worker.
会社員の多くは通勤に電車を使います。
Many office workers commute by train.
A loanword from English 'salaryman', referring specifically to male white-collar office workers. It carries connotations of a stable but demanding corporate lifestyle. Avoid using for women.
父は典型的なサラリーマンです。
My father is a typical salaryman.
Abbreviation for 'office lady', referring to female office workers, often in administrative or clerical roles. Can be seen as dated or stereotypical; use with caution.
Some women find this term patronizing or limiting. In formal contexts, use 会社員 or 女性社員 (female employee) instead.
彼女はOLとして働いています。
She works as an office lady.
A somewhat old-fashioned term for a salaried worker or employee. It emphasizes the act of being employed rather than the office environment.
彼は真面目な勤め人だ。
He is a diligent office worker.
Direct loanword for 'white-collar', used in economic or sociological contexts. Not common in everyday conversation.
ホワイトカラーの仕事はデスクワークが多い。
White-collar jobs involve a lot of desk work.