Translation guide
The English word 'specialisation' (or 'specialization') refers to focusing on a particular area of study, work, or skill. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on the context: academic majors, professional expertise, or the act of specializing.
マーケティングを専門にしています。
I specialise in marketing.
Referring to one's major, specialty, or area of expertise in a university or career context.
The most common and versatile word for 'specialisation' or 'specialty'. It can refer to a field of study, a profession, or an area of expertise.
私の専門は経済学です。
My specialisation is economics.
彼はコンピューターサイエンスを専門にしています。
He specialises in computer science.
Specifically refers to one's major or main subject of study at a university. More academic than 専門.
大学では何を専攻しましたか？
What was your specialisation at university?
Literally 'specialised field', used to emphasize the specific area within a broader discipline.
彼女の専門分野は分子生物学です。
Her specialisation is molecular biology.
Describing the action of focusing on a particular area, often in a career or academic path.
A verb phrase meaning 'to specialise in'. Use with the particle を to indicate the field.
彼は国際法を専門にしている。
He specialises in international law.
A noun meaning 'specialisation' as a process or trend, often used in formal or academic writing.
医療の専門化が進んでいる。
The specialisation of medical care is advancing.
Means 'specialisation' in the sense of concentrating on a specific function or product, often used in business or biology. More technical than 専門化.
この会社はAI技術に特化している。
This company specialises in AI technology.
Referring to a doctor's area of specialisation, such as cardiology or dermatology.
Used in medical contexts just as in academic ones. Often combined with 医 (doctor).
彼は小児科が専門の医者です。
He is a doctor whose specialisation is pediatrics.
Specifically means 'medical specialist'. Use this when referring to the doctor rather than the field.
専門 is a broader term for one's specialty or field of expertise, used in both academic and professional contexts. 専攻 is specifically one's major at a university. You can say 大学の専攻は経済学です (My university major is economics), but 専門 is more common in everyday conversation about your field of work or study.
専門は何ですか？
What is your specialty?
大学の専攻は何でしたか？
What was your major at university?
The English word 'specialisation' is often translated directly as 専門化 or 特化, but these can sound overly formal or technical in casual conversation. In most everyday situations, use 専門 or the phrase 〜を専門にしている.
私は法律を専門にしています。
I specialise in law. (natural)
私は法律の専門化をしています。
I am doing specialisation of law. (unnatural)
皮膚科の専門医に診てもらった。
I was examined by a dermatology specialist.