Translation and Meaning of: 行員 - kouin

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about specific terms in the language, you may have come across the word 行員[こういん]. This expression may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances regarding its use, origin, and cultural context. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is perceived in Japan, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to understanding the literal translation of 行員, it is important to know its usage in everyday situations and its relevance in professional environments. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to use the word correctly in conversations, this guide will help you master this term with confidence.

Meaning and Translation of 行員

The word 行員 is composed of two kanjis: 行 (which means "bank" or "go") and 員 (which indicates "member" or "employee"). Together, they form the term that translates to "bank employee" or "bank teller." This is a common expression in Japan, especially in financial and corporate contexts.

It is worth noting that 行員 (gyouin) is not limited to bank tellers, but can refer to any professional working within a financial institution. Its use is more formal than other colloquial expressions, appearing frequently in official documents and internal communications.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 行員 is directly linked to the development of the Japanese banking system during the Meiji period, when the country underwent economic modernizations. The word emerged to designate the professionals working in this new sector, consolidating itself as part of the business vocabulary.

In Japan, being a 行員 is seen as a stable and respectable career, reflecting values such as discipline and trust. The term carries a serious professional connotation, often associated with formal attire and rigid corporate environments. Its use in animes or dramas typically appears in scenes depicting office everyday life or financial situations.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to memorize 行員 is to associate its kanjis with real-life situations. For example, remembering that 行 appears in other words related to banks, such as 銀行 (bank), can help create strong mental connections. Meanwhile, the kanji 員 is common in terms that indicate members of groups, such as 店員 (store employee).

When using 行員 in sentences, prefer formal or descriptive contexts, such as "あの行員は親切です" (That bank employee is kind). Avoid using it in casual conversations, where simpler expressions may sound more natural. With practice and exposure to the language, this term will become part of your active vocabulary effortlessly.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 銀行員 (Ginkouin) - Bank employee.
• 金融業者 (Kinyuu Gyousha) - Financial services agent or company.
• 金融従業員 (Kinyuu Juugyouin) - Employee in the finance area.

行員

Romaji: kouin
Kana: こういん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bank employee

Meaning in English: bank clerk

Definition: A person who handles and sells goods in a store, etc.

Example Sentences - (行員) kouin

See below some example sentences:

私は行員ではありません。

Watashi wa gyouin de wa arimasen

I am not a bank employee.

I'm not an employee.

• Input - - - indicates that the input text will be presented next.
• 私 - - - word in Japanese that means "I".
• は - - - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I".
• 行員 - - - The word in Japanese that means "bank employee."
• ではありません - - - expression in Japanese that means "it's not".
• . - - period at the end of the sentence.
• Output - - - indicates that the result of the translation of the input text will be presented next.