Translation guide
How to talk about work experience in Japanese, from formal résumé language to casual conversation.
Referring to one's overall employment history or professional background, especially in formal contexts like résumés, CVs, or job interviews.
The standard formal term for 'work experience' in a professional context. Commonly used on résumés and in business settings.
Please tell me about your work experience in detail.
A more bureaucratic term for employment experience, sometimes seen in official documents.
Whether or not you have work experience
Talking about the skills, knowledge, or personal growth obtained through working, in everyday conversation.
The most natural way to say 'work experience' in casual conversation. Literally 'experience of work'.
I'm worried because I have little work experience.
Emphasizes the act of having worked. Useful when contrasting with other life experiences.
Do you have experience working abroad?
Refers to one's employment history or career path. Often used on résumés and in formal self-introductions.
Referring to a short-term placement for students or job seekers to gain workplace exposure.
The standard loanword for 'internship'. Widely understood, especially among younger generations.
I participated in an internship during summer vacation.
A formal term often used by schools and companies for work experience programs. Literally 'employment experience'.
A work experience program for high school students
Commonly used for junior high school students' work experience programs. Emphasizes visiting a real workplace.
職務経験 is a broad term for work history, while 実務経験 specifically highlights practical, hands-on experience. Use 実務経験 when emphasizing skills directly applied in a job.
The direct loanword ワークエクスペリエンス is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to the terms above.
Emphasizes hands-on, practical work experience rather than theoretical knowledge. Often used in job postings.
Those with 3+ years of practical work experience
職歴を簡単に説明します。
I'll briefly explain my work history.
I went to a nursery school for work experience.