Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a staff member depends on the context: whether they are part of your own group, a specific role, or a general employee. The most common and neutral term is スタッフ, but more formal or role-specific words exist.
To refer to a staff member in a general sense, such as in a store, event, or team.
A loanword from English, widely used for staff in shops, events, restaurants, and casual workplaces. It is neutral and safe in most situations.
あの店のスタッフはとても親切です。
The staff at that store are very kind.
イベントのスタッフを募集しています。
We are recruiting staff for the event.
Specifically a shop assistant or store clerk. Use this when referring to someone working in a retail setting.
店員に在庫を聞いてみます。
I'll ask a staff member about the stock.
A formal term for employee, often used in business contexts or official documents. It can refer to any employee of a company.
当社の従業員は500人です。
Our company has 500 employees.
To refer to a staff member of your own company or group when speaking to outsiders.
Refers to an employee of a company, especially when talking about your own company's staff to someone outside. It implies a regular, full-time employee.
うちの社員が対応いたします。
Our staff member will assist you.
Used for staff in non-commercial organizations like schools, government offices, or hospitals. It emphasizes the role within an institution.
To specify a staff member by their function or title.
Means 'person in charge' or 'the staff member responsible'. Very useful when you need to refer to the specific person handling a matter.
担当者をお呼びします。
I'll call the staff member in charge.
A staff member assigned to a specific duty, often at a counter or window. Common in stations, banks, and public offices.
スタッフ is a casual, all-purpose term for staff, often used in service industries. 社員 specifically refers to employees of a company, especially when viewed as members of the organization. 従業員 is a more formal and legal term for employees, used in contracts and official contexts.
カフェのスタッフはみんな若い。
The cafe staff are all young.
彼は大手企業の社員だ。
He is an employee of a major corporation.
従業員の権利を守る。
Protect the rights of employees.
The direct translation 'スタッフメンバー' is not natural Japanese. Use スタッフ alone or a context-appropriate term like 社員 or 担当者.
Please consult a staff member at the city hall.
駅の係員に道を聞きました。
I asked a station staff member for directions.