Translation guide
The English word 'specialization' refers to focusing on a specific area of study, work, or skill. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 専門 (senmon), but depending on context, other words like 専攻 (senkō) for academic majors, 特化 (tokka) for functional specialization, and 専門分野 (senmon bun'ya) for a specialized field are used. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
私は...を専門にしています。
I specialize in...
To refer to one's field of specialization in a broad sense, such as in work or study.
The most common and versatile word for 'specialization' or 'specialty'. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to specialize'.
私の専門は経済学です。
My specialization is economics.
彼は日本史を専門にしています。
He specializes in Japanese history.
To talk about one's major or specialization at university.
Specifically refers to one's academic major or field of study at a university. Often used with する to mean 'to major in'.
大学では何を専攻しましたか。
What was your specialization in university?
私は物理学を専攻しています。
I'm majoring in physics.
Can also be used for academic specialization, but 専攻 is more precise for majors.
To describe a process or state of becoming highly specialized in a narrow function, often in business or biology.
Means 'specialization' in the sense of concentrating on a specific function or feature. Often used in compound nouns like 特化型 (specialized type).
この会社はAI技術に特化しています。
This company specializes in AI technology.
細胞の特化は発生過程で起こる。
Cell specialization occurs during development.
The process of becoming specialized. More formal and often used in academic or technical contexts.
To refer to one's specialized job or profession.
A specialized profession or occupation, such as doctor, lawyer, or engineer.
彼は専門職に就いています。
He has a specialized job.
A phrase meaning 'work that one specializes in'.
私の専門とする仕事はウェブデザインです。
My specialization is web design.
専門 (senmon) is the general term for specialization. 専攻 (senkō) is specifically for academic majors. 特化 (tokka) implies a narrow, functional focus, often used in business or science.
専門は何ですか。
What is your specialty?
専攻は何ですか。
What is your major?
この店はラーメンに特化している。
This shop specializes in ramen.
専門化 (senmonka) sounds like a process or trend, not an individual's specialty. Use 専門 (senmon) or 専攻 (senkō) instead.
この分野では専門性が成功の鍵です。
Specialization is key to success in this field.
専門性 (senmonsei) means 'expertise' or 'specialized knowledge'.
より高度な専門化が進む傾向にあります。
The trend is toward greater specialization.
Literally 'specialized field', used when you want to emphasize the area or domain of specialization.
彼の専門分野は人工知能です。
His field of specialization is artificial intelligence.
私の専門は文学です。
My specialization is literature.
医療の専門化が進んでいる。
The specialization of medicine is advancing.