Translation and Meaning of: 失業 - shitsugyou

The Japanese word 失業 [しつぎょう] is a term that frequently arises in economic and social contexts, especially in discussions about the job market. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the meaning and usage of this expression, this article will explore its composition and how it is perceived in Japan. Additionally, we will see practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural impact.

Meaning and composition of 失業

Unemployment [しつぎょう] is made up of two kanji: 失 (loss) and 業 (work, business). Together, they literally mean "loss of employment" or "unemployment". This word is used in both formal contexts, such as government reports, and in everyday conversations when someone loses their job.

It is worth noting that, although the term is straightforward, it carries emotional weight in Japan, where professional stability is highly valued. Unlike more neutral expressions, such as 無職 (むしょく - "unemployed"), 失業 implies an unwanted and often involuntary situation.

Use and Cultural Context

In Japan, unemployment is a sensitive topic due to the lifetime employment culture (終身雇用) that prevailed for decades. Therefore, 失業 is not a word used lightly. Companies and the media employ it in headlines about economic crises, while individuals may avoid it in personal conversations to prevent embarrassment.

An example of use appears in news such as "失業率が上昇" (the unemployment rate is rising). In everyday life, someone who has lost their job might say "仕事を失った" (I lost my job) instead of directly using 失業, which sounds more impersonal and technical.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 失業 is to associate its kanjis with real-life situations. For example, 失 appears in words like 失敗 (failure) and 業 in 職業 (profession). This connection helps to understand why the combination of these ideograms refers to unemployment.

Interestingly, Japan has a specific term for unemployed individuals who are actively seeking work: 求職者 (きゅうしょくしゃ). On the other hand, 失業者 (しつぎょうしゃ) refers to anyone who is unemployed, regardless of whether they are looking for reemployment. This nuance is important in statistical research and public policy.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

失職 (Shisshoku) - Job loss
失業状態 (Shitsugyō jōtai) - Estado de desemprego
失業中 (Shitsugyō chū) - Atualmente desempregado
失業者 (Shitsugyōsha) - Unemployed person
失業率 (Shitsugyō ritsu) - Unemployment rate
失業保険 (Shitsugyō hoken) - Unemployment Insurance
失業給付 (Shitsugyō kyūfu) - Benefício de desemprego
失業手当 (Shitsugyō teate) - Apoio financeiro para desemprego
失業問題 (Shitsugyō mondai) - Problema do desemprego
失業対策 (Shitsugyō taisaku) - Medidas contra o desemprego
失業者支援 (Shitsugyōsha shien) - Apoio a desempregados
失業者救済 (Shitsugyōsha kyūsai) - Salvamento de desempregados
失業者再就職支援 (Shitsugyōsha saishushoku shien) - Support for the re-employment of the unemployed
失業者向けの職業訓練 (Shitsugyōsha muke no shokugyō kunren) - Treinamento profissional para desempregados
失業者の生活保護 (Shitsugyōsha no seikatsu hogo) - Assistência social para desempregados
失業者の就職支援 (Shitsugyōsha no shūshoku shien) - Support for the placement of unemployed individuals
失業者の再就職支援 (Shitsugyōsha no saishūshoku shien) - Support for the labor reintegration of the unemployed
失業者の就労支援 (Shitsugyōsha no shūrō shien) - Support for the unemployed