Translation guide
The English word "profession" can refer to a career, a field of work, or a formal declaration. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to one's job or line of work, especially one requiring training or education.
The most common and neutral word for 'occupation' or 'profession'. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
Referring to a particular area of professional activity, such as medicine, law, or education.
A formal statement or claim, often of belief, faith, or intent.
職業 (shokugyō) is more formal and refers specifically to one's profession or occupation. 仕事 (shigoto) is a broader, everyday term for 'work' or 'job'. In casual conversation, 仕事 is more natural when asking about someone's job.
職業欄に何と書けばいいですか。
What should I write in the profession field?
今日は仕事が忙しかった。
Work was busy today.
The loanword プロフェッション (purofesshon) exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may sound unnatural or overly technical. Stick to native Japanese terms like 職業 or 専門職.
What is your profession?
彼は職業を変えた。
He changed his profession.
Specifically refers to a 'specialized profession' like doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Emphasizes expertise.
彼女は専門職に就いている。
She is in a specialized profession.
General word for 'work' or 'job'. Often used in casual conversation instead of more formal terms.
仕事は何をしているの？
What do you do for a living? (What is your profession?)
A more formal or literary term for 'occupation', often used in compounds or official documents.
彼は職を辞した。
He resigned from his profession.
Means 'industry' or 'business world'. Used to talk about a professional field collectively.
彼は医療業界で働いている。
He works in the medical profession.
Means 'field' or 'area' of expertise. Can be used for academic or professional domains.
法律の分野で成功した。
She succeeded in the legal profession.
Pattern meaning 'the world of ~'. Used to refer to a professional community or sphere.
彼は芸術の世界で有名だ。
He is famous in the art profession.
Means 'declaration' or 'proclamation'. Used for formal public statements.
彼は無実の宣言をした。
He made a profession of innocence.
Means 'public declaration' or 'avowal'. Often used for personal beliefs or intentions.
彼女は信仰を公言した。
She made a profession of faith.
Means 'confession' or 'profession' of love or feelings. Often used in romantic contexts.
彼は愛の告白をした。
He made a profession of love.