holding a job; being employed; gainful employment
Only with reading ゆうしょく
Modern, neutral term for having a job or being employed. Often contrasted with 無職 (unemployed).
Antonyms: 無職
He is currently employed and works at an IT company.
The daily rhythm of life differs greatly between employed and unemployed people.
Archaic sense. In modern Japanese, 博識 or 学識 are more common for 'learned'.
In old documents, 有職 can refer to a learned person.
having great artistic talent; skilled performer
Archaic sense. Refers to exceptional skill in arts or performance. Not used in modern everyday language.
In the world of Noh theater, 有職 once meant an outstanding performer.
well-versed in court or military etiquette
Archaic sense. Specifically refers to deep knowledge of traditional court or samurai household practices. Now largely historical.
Scholars well-versed in ancient court practices study the rituals of the imperial court.
employed person; person with a job
Standard kanji form for the modern sense 'holding a job'. Also used historically for other senses.
Alternate kanji form historically used for 'learned' or 'knowledgeable', but rare and easily confused with 有識 (ゆうしき).
Composed of 有 (possess, have) and 職 (job, occupation). The modern sense 'holding a job' is a straightforward compound. Archaic senses derive from classical Chinese usage where 有職 could mean 'having knowledge' or 'having a profession/art'.