Translation and Meaning of: 雇用 - koyou

The Japanese word 雇用[こよう] is an essential term for those who want to understand the job market in Japan or study the Japanese language in a professional context. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at some curiosities about its cultural usage and tips for effectively memorizing this word.

If you have ever researched jobs in Japan or are learning Japanese for professional purposes, you have certainly come across 雇用. This word holds significant weight in Japanese society, reflecting important values and structures of the corporate world. Here at Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, we strive to provide accurate and useful information for students and enthusiasts.

Meaning and use of 雇用

雇用 means "employment" or "hiring." It is used to refer to the act of employing someone or the state of being employed. Unlike words like 仕事[しごと] (work) or 職業[しょくぎょう] (profession), 雇用 has a more formal and institutional focus, often appearing in legal, business, and governmental contexts.

A common example of use is in expressions such as 雇用契約[こようけいやく] (employment contract) and 雇用主[こようぬし] (employer). The word also often appears in discussions about public policies, such as 雇用対策[こようたいさく] (employment measures). Its use reflects the importance given to stability and formality in labor relations in Japan.

Origin and composition of kanjis

"雇用" is composed of two kanji: 雇 and 用. The first, 雇, means "to employ" or "to hire" and originates from the representation of a domesticated bird, symbolizing the idea of "keeping someone under your responsibility." Meanwhile, 用 means "use" or "utilization," indicating the application of labor. Together, they form the concept of "to utilize someone under contract.".

This combination is not random. It reflects the traditional Japanese view on work, where employment is seen as a relationship of exchange and mutual responsibility. It is worth noting that 雇 alone can also be used in words like 解雇[かいこ] (dismissal), demonstrating its direct connection to the world of work.

Employment in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, 雇用 carries significant cultural weight. Japanese society values job stability, and terms related to 雇用 often appear in discussions about job security and long-term careers. Traditional companies still follow the model of 終身雇用 [しゅうしんこよう] (lifetime employment), although this practice has decreased in recent decades.

Another interesting aspect is the use of 雇用 in government policies. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) often launches campaigns with terms like 雇用創出[こようそうしゅつ] (job creation) or 雇用安定[こようあんてい] (employment stability). This shows how the word is embedded not only in everyday vocabulary but also in public discourse about the economy and labor.

Tips for memorizing 雇用

An effective way to memorize 雇用 is to associate the kanji 雇 with the idea of "hire" and 用 with "use." Think of "using someone under contract," and the connection between the kanjis will make more sense. Another tip is to create flashcards with compound words like 雇用契約 or 雇用主 to learn the term in context.

In addition, paying attention to news about the Japanese economy can help, as 雇用 appears frequently in this type of content. Listening to the pronunciation "koyou" several times also embeds the word in auditory memory. With constant practice, you will start to recognize and use 雇用 naturally in conversations or readings about work in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

就業 (Shugyou) - Employment, work
勤務 (Kinmu) - Service, work, business hours
雇用関係 (Koyou kankei) - Employment relationship
雇用形態 (Koyou heitai) - Type of work contract (e.g., full-time, part-time)
雇用契約 (Koyou keiyaku) - Employment contract
雇用条件 (Koyou jyouken) - Employment conditions
雇用制度 (Koyou seido) - Employment system
雇用保険 (Koyou hoken) - Unemployment insurance
雇用者 (Koyousha) - Employer
雇用者側 (Koyousha-gawa) - Employer's side
雇用者責任 (Koyousha sekinin) - Employer responsibility
雇用者負担 (Koyousha futan) - Cost borne by the employer
雇用者負担金 (Koyousha futan-kin) - Cost borne by the employer
雇用者負担額 (Koyousha futan-gaku) - Amount of cost borne by the employer
雇用者側負担 (Koyousha-gawa futan) - Costs borne by the employer side
雇用者側負担金 (Koyousha-gawa futan-kin) - Costs incurred by the employer
雇用者負担率 (Koyousha futan-ritsu) - Cost rate borne by the employer
雇用者側負担率 (Koyousha-gawa futan-ritsu) - Cost rate borne by the employer's side
雇用者負担割合 (Koyousha futan-wariai) - Proportion of the cost borne by the employer