Language learners often find that expanding their vocabulary to include terms for occupations and professions is a practical and beneficial exercise. With this in mind, let’s explore some common Japanese words for various occupations and professions, their meanings, and see how to use them in sentences.

医者 (いしゃ – isha)
This word means “doctor” or “physician”. It’s a general term used for medical doctors in various fields of medicine.
妹は医者になりたいと言っています。
(My younger sister says she wants to become a doctor.)

看護師 (かんごし – kangoshi)
A “nurse” in Japanese is referred to as a 看護師. This profession demands a caring personality and medical knowledge.
彼女は地元の病院で看護師として働いています。
(She works as a nurse in a local hospital.)

教師 (きょうし – kyoushi)
This term is used for a “teacher”, specifically one who works in schools beyond the elementary level.
彼は高校で数学の教師です。
(He is a high school math teacher.)

弁護士 (べんごし – bengoshi)
A “lawyer” or “attorney” is known as 弁護士 in Japanese. This profession requires passing a rigorous bar examination.
私の兄は東京で弁護士として働いています。
(My brother works as a lawyer in Tokyo.)

会社員 (かいしゃいん – kaishain)
This refers to a “company employee”. The term is broad and can apply to anyone working for a company, regardless of their specific role.
彼女は大きな会社の会社員です。
(She is an employee at a large company.)

エンジニア (えんじにあ – enjinia)
“Engineer” in Japanese is taken directly from English and typically refers to someone working in a technical or engineering field.
彼は自動車会社でエンジニアとして働いています。
(He works as an engineer at an automobile company.)

研究者 (けんきゅうしゃ – kenkyuusha)
This term means “researcher” and is used for individuals who conduct in-depth studies in various academic or scientific fields.
彼女は大学で生物学の研究者です。
(She is a biologist researcher at the university.)

警察官 (けいさつかん – keisatsukan)
A “police officer” is referred to as 警察官. This occupation is essential for maintaining public safety and order.
兄は東京で警察官になるために勉強しています。
(My brother is studying to become a police officer in Tokyo.)

料理人 (りょうりにん – ryouri-nin)
This word means “chef” or “cook”. It is someone specialized in the art of cooking and preparing food.
彼はフランス料理の料理人です。
(He is a chef specializing in French cuisine.)

美容師 (びようし – biyoushi)
“Beautician” or “hairdresser” is designated by the term 美容師 in Japanese. They are professionals who specialize in hair and beauty treatments.
彼女は有名なサロンで美容師として働いています。
(She works as a beautician in a famous salon.)

作家 (さっか – sakka)
A “writer” or “author” is known as 作家. They are individuals who create literary works such as books, poems, or articles.
私の夢は作家になることです。
(My dream is to become a writer.)

Each of these terms provides a building block for those studying Japanese to delve into conversations about daily life and professions. Recognizing and using these words will enhance your understanding of Japanese society and culture, and perhaps even help you navigate the Japanese job market.