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.
What is your profession?
He changed his profession.
Specifically refers to a 'specialized profession' like doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Emphasizes expertise.
She is in a specialized profession.
General word for 'work' or 'job'. Often used in casual conversation instead of more formal terms.
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.
He resigned from his profession.
Referring to a particular area of professional activity, such as medicine, law, or education.
Means 'industry' or 'business world'. Used to talk about a professional field collectively.
He works in the medical profession.
Means 'field' or 'area' of expertise. Can be used for academic or professional domains.
Pattern meaning 'the world of ~'. Used to refer to a professional community or sphere.
He is famous in the art profession.
A formal statement or claim, often of belief, faith, or intent.
Means 'declaration' or 'proclamation'. Used for formal public statements.
He made a profession of innocence.
Means 'public declaration' or 'avowal'. Often used for personal beliefs or intentions.
Means 'confession' or 'profession' of love or feelings. Often used in romantic contexts.
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.
What should I write in the profession field?
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.
She succeeded in the legal profession.
彼女は信仰を公言した。
She made a profession of faith.
彼は愛の告白をした。
He made a profession of love.