Translation and Meaning of: 人材 - jinzai

The Japanese word 人材 (じんざい, jinzai) is a term that frequently appears in professional and academic contexts in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are interested in the corporate culture of the country, understanding its meaning and usage can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities about its usage in Japanese society.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 人材, we will also explore how it differs from similar terms and why it is so relevant in the Japanese job market. If you want to expand your vocabulary or simply satisfy your curiosity about this expression, keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

The meaning and use of 人材 (じんざい)

人材 is composed of two kanji: 人 (person) and 材 (material, resource). Together, they form a word that can be translated as "human talent" or "human resources," but with a more qualitative focus. While in Portuguese "human resources" may sound bureaucratic, in Japanese, 人材 carries a connotation of valuing the skills and potential of individuals.

In the corporate environment, it is common to hear phrases like "優秀な人材を確保する" (securing exceptional talent), showing how the term is linked to the search for qualified professionals. Companies and recruiters use 人材 to refer not only to employees but to individuals who bring specific skills and contribute to organizational growth.

The origin and evolution of the term

The combination of the kanjis 人 and 材 is not recent. Historical records indicate that the word was already used during the Edo period (1603-1868), although with a slightly different meaning. At that time, 人材 could refer to people with useful skills for construction or craftsmanship projects, reflecting the literal sense of "human material."

With the industrialization and development of Japan in the 20th century, the term gained a broader meaning, coming to encompass professionals from various fields. Today, 人材 is widely used in discussions about management, education, and public policies, always focusing on the development and utilization of talents.

Human resources in the context of Japanese culture

In Japan, the appreciation of 人材 is directly linked to the philosophy of efficiency and meritocracy that permeates society. Companies invest in training and talent retention programs, while universities strive to train 人材 that meet market demands. This concept goes beyond simple hiring, involving ongoing care for professional growth.

An interesting fact is that in Japanese corporate-themed animes and dramas, such as "Hanzawa Naoki", the word 人材 appears frequently. Its use in these productions reflects its importance in the country's business culture, showing how the term is rooted in the collective imagination when it comes to career and professional success.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 人材 (Jinzai) - Human resources; human talent; people with skills and knowledge.
• 人材 (Jinzai) - It can also refer to specific talents in different fields.
• 人財 (Jinzai) - Emphasizes the value of people as "fortune" or "wealth," highlighting the importance of human capital.
• 人材資源 (Jinzai Shigen) - Human resources; refers to the set of skills, experiences, and knowledge available in an organization.
• 人的資源 (Jinteki Shigen) - Human resources; a similar synonym to 人材資源, focusing on the people in an organization.

人材

Romaji: jinzai
Kana: じんざい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Man of talent

Meaning in English: man of talent

Definition: An individual who has the ability and qualifications to perform a job in an organization or company.

Example Sentences - (人材) jinzai

See below some example sentences:

公募で新しい人材を募集します。

Koubo de atarashii jintai wo boshuu shimasu

We are recruiting new talent through a public offering.

We are looking for new human resources for an open call for participants.

• 公募 - means "public summons".
• で - is a particle that indicates the means or method used to carry out the action.
• 新しい - means "new" or "recent".
• 人材 - means "personnel" or "human resources".
• を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 募集します - means "to recruit" or "to seek out".

この仕事に適する人材を探しています。

Kono shigoto ni tekisuru jinzai wo sagashiteimasu

We are looking for a suitable candidate for this work.

I am looking for a person who is suitable for this work.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕事 - noun meaning "work" or "occupation"
• に - particle that indicates destination or goal
• 適する - Verb that means "to be suitable" or "to be appropriate"
• 人材 - noun that means "talent" or "human resources"
• を - particle that indicates direct object
• 探しています - verb that means "to search for" or "to look for" in the present continuous

この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

• この会社 - This company
• は - Topic particle
• 優秀な - Great
• 人材 - Human resources
• を - Direct object particle
• 採用する - Hire
• こと - Abstract noun
• を - Direct object particle
• 目指しています - It is aimed at

人材は企業の最も貴重な資産です。

Jinzai wa kigyou no mottomo kichou na shisan desu

Human resources are the most valuable assets of a company.

Human resources are the most valuable assets of companies.

• 人材 (jinzai) - Human resources
• は (wa) - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 企業 (kigyou) - Company
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 最も (mottomo) - More
• 貴重な (kichou na) - Valuable
• 資産 (shisan) - Active
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present