Japanese word

出世

Pronunciation

Romajishusse

Meaning

  • noungetting ahead

Example

兄は会社で出世しました。ani wa gai sha de shus se shi ma shi ta

My older brother got ahead at work.

Illustration for 出世 (getting ahead)

More examples

この会社では、年齢より実力で出世できます。ko no gai sha de wa nen rei yo ri jitsu ryoku de shus se de ki ma su

At this company, you can get ahead based on ability rather than age.

Core concept

Describes rising in social standing through career progress, achievement, or success in life.

Common phrases

  • 出世するshus se su ru

    get ahead

  • 出世が早いshus se ga haya i

    rise quickly

  • 出世のチャンスshus se no cha n su

    chance to get ahead

Similar words

昇進shōshin: Advancement to a higher position or rank in an organization.
昇格shōkaku: Movement to a higher grade or rank within an organization.
昇任shōnin: Appointment to a higher office or position in an organization.

Definition in Japanese

社会的な地位や評価を高め、仕事や人生で成功すること。sha kai teki na chi i ya hyō ka o taka me shi goto ya jin sei de sei kō su ru ko to

Word origin

出世 (shusse) combines 出 (shutsu, "leave") and 世 (se, "the world"); it originally referred to leaving worldly life for Buddhist practice and later came to mean advancing in society.

Usage tips

  • In workplace conversations, 出世 (shusse) often means advancing in status and career, not just receiving a formal promotion.

Other meanings

  • promotionnoun
  • success in lifenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 出世欲shusseyokuambition to get aheadnoun

Word lists with this word