Shinto priest; Shinto priesthood
Refers to a person serving as a priest in Shinto, or the office/status of such a priest. Often used in formal or religious contexts.
彼は地元の神社で神職を務めている。
He serves as a Shinto priest at the local shrine.
神職になるには、資格が必要だ。
To become a Shinto priest, you need qualifications.
神職 refers specifically to a Shinto priest, while 聖職者 is typically used for Christian clergy and other ordained officials.
Compound of 神 (shin, 'god, deity') and 職 (shoku, 'occupation, post'). The term directly refers to a religious office in Shinto.