Translation guide
The English word "specialty" can refer to a person's area of expertise, a restaurant's signature dish, or a field of specialization. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
Referring to a subject, field, or skill that someone is particularly good at or focuses on.
The most common and versatile word for one's specialty or major field of study/work.
彼の専門は物理学です。
His specialty is physics.
専門は何ですか。
What is your specialty?
Literally 'field one is good at', often used for a strong area within a broader profession.
私の得意分野はマーケティングです。
My specialty is marketing.
Specifically refers to one's major in university.
大学では経済学を専攻しました。
I majored in economics at university.
Referring to a restaurant's or shop's most famous or recommended item.
A local or shop specialty, often a famous product or dish.
この店の名物はラーメンです。
This restaurant's specialty is ramen.
A proud specialty, often used on menus to highlight a recommended dish.
シェフ自慢の一品です。
This is the chef's specialty.
Loanword from English, used in some restaurant contexts but less common than native terms.
本日のスペシャリティはステーキです。
Today's specialty is steak.
Referring to a branch of medicine a doctor specializes in.
Medical specialty or department.
彼の専門科は小児科です。
His specialty is pediatrics.
Clinical department, often used in hospital settings.
どの診療科を受診すればいいですか。
Which specialty should I see?
専門 (senmon) is for fields of study or work. 名物 (meibutsu) is for famous local products or dishes. Don't use 専門 for food specialties.
彼の専門は数学です。
His specialty is mathematics.
この地域の名物はりんごです。
This region's specialty is apples.