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雇用 — meaning in English: employment

koyō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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DNA
Dī Enu Ē
軍曹
gunsō
長さ
nagasa
発生率
hasseiritsu
雇用
koyō
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formal common
Usage
雇用 (koyō) is commonly used in formal settings, such as business meetings or official documentation, where discussions about employment opportunities or labor contracts take place. For instance, a company might announce new雇用 policies during a shareholder meeting to outline their hiring strategies.
Synonyms & nuances
雇用 (koyō) is often compared to the word 仕事 (shigoto), which means 'work' or 'job.' While 雇用 specifically refers to the concept of employment and the relationship between employer and employee, 仕事 can refer to any type of work, including freelance or unpaid tasks. Therefore, when discussing official employment relationships, 雇用 is the more precise term to use.
Culture
The term 雇用 has its roots in the Japanese kanji for 'to employ' and 'to use,' which reflects the intrinsic relationship between labor and utility in Japanese society. Interestingly, Japan has a unique employment culture known for lifetime employment, especially in larger corporations, which has influenced the usage and perception of the word in the context of job security and career paths.
FAQ
Q.What does 雇用 (koyō) mean in English?
雇用 (koyō) translates to 'employment' in English, referring to the state of having a job or being employed by an organization.
Q.How is 雇用 used in business conversations?
In business contexts, 雇用 is often used when discussing hiring practices, employee benefits, and labor laws. You might hear it in phrases like '新しい雇用を創出する' (to create new employment opportunities).
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 雇用?
A common mistake is using 雇用 interchangeably with 仕事. While both relate to work, 雇用 specifically denotes employment status, whereas 仕事 can refer to any type of work, including side gigs or volunteer positions.
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