Translation guide
The concept of not having enough workers, commonly discussed in economic and business contexts in Japan.
Expressing that there is an overall lack of workers or manpower.
The most common and natural way to say 'labor shortage' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation and news.
Referring to a labor shortage in a particular field or sector.
Attach to a noun indicating the type of worker or industry. E.g., 看護師不足 (nurse shortage), 運転手不足 (driver shortage).
建設業界では若い労働者不足が問題だ。
In the construction industry, the shortage of young workers is a problem.
Explaining that something is happening because of a labor shortage.
Use で to indicate the cause. Follow with the resulting situation.
人手不足で残業が増えている。
Overtime is increasing due to the labor shortage.
人手不足 is the most general and widely used. 労働力不足 is formal and often used in macroeconomic contexts. 人材不足 specifically refers to a lack of skilled or talented people.
飲食店はいつも人手不足だ。
Restaurants are always short-staffed.
日本の労働力不足は深刻だ。
Japan's labor shortage is serious.
人手不足は年々深刻になっている。
The labor shortage is getting worse every year.
多くの企業が人手不足に苦しんでいる。
Many companies are struggling with a labor shortage.
この地域は深刻な人手不足に直面している。
This region is facing a serious labor shortage.
人手不足で店を閉めざるを得なかった。
We had to close the shop due to a labor shortage.
A more formal term, often used in economic reports or policy discussions. Emphasizes the workforce as a whole.
労働力不足が経済成長の妨げになっている。
The labor shortage is hindering economic growth.
Refers to a shortage of skilled or qualified personnel, rather than just any workers. Common in business contexts.
IT業界では深刻な人材不足が続いている。
The IT industry continues to face a serious talent shortage.
A more colloquial way to say 'short on hands' or 'understaffed'. Used in casual conversation.
今日は人手が足りなくて大変だった。
We were short-staffed today and it was tough.
介護士不足が深刻化している。
The shortage of caregivers is becoming more serious.
Service quality is declining because of the labor shortage.
A slightly more formal way to express cause, using のため.
人手不足のため、営業時間を短縮します。
Due to a labor shortage, we will shorten business hours.
This company is struggling with a shortage of engineers.
This company is struggling with a shortage of engineers.