Usage patterns 肩かた 書が きを 持も つ to hold a title
He holds the title of department manager.
肩かた 書が きがある to have a title
She doesn't have any particular title.
名めい 刺し に 〈 事こと 〉 を 書か く to print a title on a business card
I had my title printed on my business card.
肩かた 書が きで 呼よ ぶ to address someone by their title
At the company, it's normal to address people by their title.
Related words 役職 refers specifically to an official post or rank within an organization, while 肩書き is the broader term covering any title, including academic or honorary ones.
称号 is a formal title or honor conferred by an institution, whereas 肩書き is the everyday word for whatever title a person uses or is known by.
地位 emphasizes a person's social or organizational standing or rank, while 肩書き is the actual title or label that expresses that standing.
Don't confuse with 肩書き (job title) shares the kanji 肩 with 肩代わり but has nothing to do with taking over a debt or burden.
肩書き is just the title or label attached to a person's name, whereas 名誉職 is an actual honorary office one holds within an organization.
Written forms 肩かた 書がき Usage 45%
Common abbreviated spelling; high-frequency in news and general use.
肩かた 書が き Usage 55%
Full standard spelling with okurigana.
Etymology Compound of 肩 (kata, 'shoulder') and 書き (kaki, 'writing'), from the idea of a title written beside one's name as if placed on the shoulder. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used since the Edo period to refer to official titles and ranks.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
