Translation guide
HR refers to Human Resources, the department or function within a company that handles employee-related matters. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to as 人事 (jinji) or 人事部 (jinjibu).
Referring to the department that manages employees, hiring, benefits, etc.
Standard term for the HR department. 人事 (jinji) means 'personnel affairs' and 部 (bu) means 'department'.
人事部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the HR department.
Often used as a shorthand for the HR department or function, especially in compound words or when the context is clear.
人事の田中さんに聞いてみます。
I'll ask Mr. Tanaka from HR.
Used when the HR function is a section (課) rather than a full department. Common in smaller organizations.
人事課で採用を担当しています。
I'm in charge of recruitment in the HR section.
The English abbreviation is sometimes used in Japanese business contexts, especially in foreign-affiliated companies or trendy startups. Pronounced エイチアール.
HRのミーティングは午後2時です。
The HR meeting is at 2 PM.
Referring to the practice or discipline of managing human resources, rather than a specific department.
Covers the concept of personnel management, HR practices, and employee affairs.
彼は人事の経験が豊富です。
He has extensive experience in HR.
Literal translation of 'human resource management'. Used in academic or formal business contexts.
人的資源管理の戦略を策定する。
Formulate a human resource management strategy.
人事 (jinji) can refer to both the department and the function. When you need to be specific about the department, use 人事部 (jinjibu). In casual conversation, 人事 is often enough.
The direct translation 人間資源 (ningen shigen) is not used in Japanese business contexts. Stick to 人事 or 人事部.
人事部で働いています。
I work in HR.
採用は人事が担当しています。
HR is handling the recruitment.