Translation guide
How to talk about work experience in Japanese, from formal résumé language to casual conversation.
Referring to one's overall employment history or professional background, especially in formal contexts like résumés, CVs, or job interviews.
The standard formal term for 'work experience' in a professional context. Commonly used on résumés and in business settings.
職務経験を詳しく教えてください。
Please tell me about your work experience in detail.
Emphasizes hands-on, practical work experience rather than theoretical knowledge. Often used in job postings.
実務経験3年以上の方
Those with 3+ years of practical work experience
A more bureaucratic term for employment experience, sometimes seen in official documents.
就業経験の有無
Whether or not you have work experience
Talking about the skills, knowledge, or personal growth obtained through working, in everyday conversation.
The most natural way to say 'work experience' in casual conversation. Literally 'experience of work'.
仕事の経験が少ないので、不安です。
I'm worried because I have little work experience.
Emphasizes the act of having worked. Useful when contrasting with other life experiences.
海外で働いた経験がありますか？
Do you have experience working abroad?
Refers to one's employment history or career path. Often used on résumés and in formal self-introductions.
Referring to a short-term placement for students or job seekers to gain workplace exposure.
The standard loanword for 'internship'. Widely understood, especially among younger generations.
夏休みにインターンシップに参加した。
I participated in an internship during summer vacation.
A formal term often used by schools and companies for work experience programs. Literally 'employment experience'.
高校生のための就業体験プログラム
A work experience program for high school students
Commonly used for junior high school students' work experience programs. Emphasizes visiting a real workplace.
職場体験で保育園に行きました。
I went to a nursery school for work experience.
職務経験 is a broad term for work history, while 実務経験 specifically highlights practical, hands-on experience. Use 実務経験 when emphasizing skills directly applied in a job.
The direct loanword ワークエクスペリエンス is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to the terms above.
職歴を簡単に説明します。
I'll briefly explain my work history.