Translation guide
The English word "vocation" can refer to a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, a person's main job or profession, or a divine calling to religious life. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
Teaching is my vocation.
Expressing that one feels destined or naturally suited for a particular type of work, often with a sense of passion or purpose.
This is the most direct and common equivalent for 'vocation' in the sense of a calling or life's work. It implies a job that one is meant to do.
He feels that teaching is his vocation.
Nursing is my vocation.
Means 'mission' and can be used when the vocation involves a strong sense of duty or purpose, often beyond personal fulfillment.
A pattern to emphasize that something is exactly one's vocation.
This job is truly my vocation.
Referring to one's regular occupation or trade, without the strong emotional or spiritual connotation.
Specifically referring to a call from God to become a priest, nun, or engage in religious work.
天職 (てんしょく) implies a deep personal calling or ideal job, while 職業 (しょくぎょう) is a neutral term for occupation. Use 天職 when you want to express passion or destiny.
For him, being a doctor is a vocation.
His vocation is a doctor.
Avoid directly translating 'vocation' as 職業 in contexts where a sense of calling is intended. Use 天職 or 使命 instead to convey the deeper meaning.
He feels a vocation as a doctor.
He chose music as his vocation.
His vocation is carpentry.
She received a vocation to the religious life.