Translation guide
The phrase 'woman in STEM' refers to a female professional or student in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. In Japanese, there is no single fixed equivalent; instead, the concept is expressed through descriptive phrases. The most common and natural way is to use the borrowed term 'STEM' combined with words for woman/female.
Referring to a female professional or student in STEM fields in a general, modern context.
This is the most straightforward and widely understood phrase. 'STEM' is commonly used as a loanword in Japanese, and '分野' means 'field'. '女性' means 'woman/women'. It is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
STEM分野の女性が増えている。
The number of women in STEM is increasing.
She is active as a woman in STEM.
A shorter, more casual version. 'STEMの女性' directly means 'woman of STEM'. It is commonly used in conversation and media.
STEMの女性をもっと支援すべきだ。
We should support women in STEM more.
Using '系' (type/system) adds a nuance of 'STEM-related'. It is slightly more informal and often used in casual conversation or online.
STEM系の女性はまだ少ない。
There are still few women in STEM.
When the English acronym 'STEM' might not be understood, or in more traditional contexts, you can describe the fields explicitly.
'理系' means 'science-oriented' or 'STEM fields' in the Japanese educational context. It is a very common term for someone in science, technology, engineering, or math. It can refer to students or professionals.
理系の女性がもっと必要だ。
We need more women in science/STEM.
彼女は理系の女性研究者だ。
She is a female researcher in STEM.
A more formal and explicit phrase meaning 'women in the fields of science and technology'. It is often used in official documents or news.
科学技術分野の女性の活躍を推進する。
Promote the success of women in science and technology.
Specifically referring to a student in STEM, often in university or high school.
A common colloquial term, often abbreviated as 'リケジョ'. It specifically refers to female students in science/engineering. It has a slightly trendy, media-friendly feel.
リケジョが増えている。
The number of female STEM students is increasing.
彼女はリケジョとして大学で工学を学んでいる。
As a woman in STEM, she studies engineering at university.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'women who study STEM'. It is clear and can be used for any age.
STEMを学ぶ女性のための奨学金がある。
There are scholarships for women studying STEM.
The acronym 'STEM' is widely recognized in Japan, especially in educational and media contexts. It is typically written in katakana as 'ステム' and pronounced as 'sutemu'. You can use it freely in most situations.
STEM教育が重要視されている。
STEM education is being emphasized.
'理系' (rikei) is a traditional Japanese term for the science/technology track in education and career. It overlaps heavily with STEM but is more rooted in the Japanese school system. 'STEM' is a newer, international concept. Both are used, but '理系' may be more familiar to older generations.
理系の女性は昔から少なかった。
Women in science have been few since long ago.