Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and neutral way to refer to a 'company employee' is 会社員 (かいしゃいん). However, the best choice depends on context: whether you are talking about yourself, someone else, the type of employment, or the relationship to the company.
Referring to someone who works for a company in a general sense, often as a salaried worker.
The standard, neutral word for a company employee. It implies a full-time, salaried position at a company. Commonly used when stating one's occupation.
私は会社員です。
I am a company employee.
彼は大手企業の会社員だ。
He is an employee at a major corporation.
A loanword from 'salaryman', referring specifically to male, white-collar company employees. It carries connotations of the stereotypical Japanese corporate worker. Often used in casual conversation, but can be seen as gendered or old-fashioned.
うちの父はサラリーマンです。
My father is a salaryman.
Means 'employee' of a specific company. Often used in compounds like 正社員 (regular employee) or when the company is clear from context. It is more about membership in a company rather than the occupation itself.
彼はうちの社員です。
He is an employee of our company.
新入社員研修
new employee training
When talking about yourself or a colleague within your own company, especially to outsiders.
Used to refer to employees of one's own company when speaking to people outside the company. It is humble and appropriate in business settings.
私どもの社員がご迷惑をおかけしました。
Our employee caused you trouble.
A humble way to refer to someone from your company, often used when introducing yourself or a colleague on a business call or visit. Literally 'person of the company'.
私、ABC商事の者ですが、田中様はいらっしゃいますか。
I'm from ABC Trading, is Mr. Tanaka available?
Distinguishing between being an employee of a company and being self-employed or a business owner.
A common phrase meaning 'I work for a company' (as an employee). It emphasizes the employment relationship.
私は会社に勤めています。
I work for a company (as an employee).
As above, explicitly states the occupation as a company employee, contrasting with self-employed or freelancer.
会社員ですか、それとも自営業ですか。
Are you a company employee or self-employed?
Specifying a full-time, permanent employee as opposed to contract or part-time.
Refers to a regular, full-time employee with full benefits and job security. This is a key distinction in the Japanese labor market.
正社員として働きたいです。
I want to work as a regular employee.
While 会社員 is the direct translation, using it in every context can sound unnatural. For example, when introducing yourself, simply saying your company name and position is often more natural than stating 'I am a company employee'.
会社員 is the neutral occupation term. サラリーマン is a casual, somewhat stereotypical term for male white-collar workers. 社員 refers to an employee of a specific company and is often used in business contexts or when the company is known.
私は商社の正社員です。
I'm a regular employee at a trading company.