Translation guide
The professional field and practice of helping individuals, families, and communities to enhance their well-being. In Japanese, the term is often used as a loanword, but native equivalents exist for specific contexts.
Referring to social work as a career, discipline, or area of study.
The most common and direct equivalent, widely used in professional and academic contexts.
彼女は大学でソーシャルワークを学んでいる。
She is studying social work at university.
Literally 'social welfare', often used for the broader field including social work, but can sound more institutional or policy-oriented.
社会福祉の分野で働きたいです。
I want to work in the field of social welfare.
Specifically the academic study of social welfare/social work.
社会福祉学を専攻しています。
I am majoring in social welfare studies.
Describing the actual work done by social workers, such as counseling, case management, or community support.
Means 'social work practice', commonly used to refer to the hands-on aspect.
彼はソーシャルワークの実践に力を入れている。
He focuses on social work practice.
A more general term meaning 'welfare work', often used in everyday conversation.
福祉の仕事は大変ですが、やりがいがあります。
Welfare work is tough, but it's rewarding.
Refers specifically to casework, a method within social work. Used in professional settings.
Referring to social work services provided by agencies or governments.
Means 'welfare services', commonly used to describe the support provided.
この地域では福祉サービスが充実している。
Welfare services are well-developed in this area.
More formal, explicitly 'social welfare services'.
社会福祉サービスの利用方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to access social welfare services.
ソーシャルワーク is a direct loanword and is preferred in professional and academic circles when referring to the specific discipline of social work. 社会福祉 is broader, often encompassing social welfare policies and systems. In casual conversation, 福祉の仕事 is more natural than either.
ソーシャルワークの理論を学ぶ。
Study social work theory.
社会福祉の制度について議論する。
Discuss the social welfare system.
Do not translate 'social work' literally as 社会的な仕事 (shakai-teki na shigoto), which means 'social job' and does not convey the professional field.
ソーシャルワークの学位を持っています。
I have a degree in social work.
ソーシャルワークは大変ですが、やりがいのある仕事です。
Social work is a challenging but fulfilling career.
To improve casework skills.