Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Occupation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "occupation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
職業
しょくぎょう (shokugyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
生業
なりわい (nariwai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "occupation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 職業 and 生業.
In Japanese, 職業 (しょくぎょう (shokugyō)) is typically associated with "occupation, profession, job" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal term for one's job or line of work. Commonly used when asking about someone's profession.
On the other hand, 生業 (なりわい (nariwai)) maps to "occupation; livelihood; calling" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 生活の糧を得るための仕事や職業のこと。少し古風な響きがあるが、現代でも使用される。. A literal translation of "occupation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "職業"
あなたの職業は何ですか。
What is your occupation?
Bilingual Context for "生業"
漁師は彼の代々続く生業だ。
Fishing is his family's generational livelihood.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "あなたの ＿＿＿ は何ですか。" (Meaning: "What is your occupation?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "職業" fits here because it means "occupation, profession, job" in the context of: "What is your occupation?". "生業" represents "occupation; livelihood; calling".