Japanese word

社員

Pronunciation

Romajishain

Meaning

  • nounemployee

Example

私は会社の社員です。watashi wa gai sha no sha in de su

I am an employee of the company.

Illustration for 社員 (employee)

More examples

新しい社員がチームに加わりました。atara shi i sha in ga chī mu ni kuwa wa ri ma shi ta

A new employee joined the team.

Core concept

Refers to a person who belongs to a company or organization through employment and performs work there.

Common phrases

  • 会社の社員kai sha no sha in

    employee of a company

  • 社員になるsha in ni na ru

    become an employee

Similar words

会社員kaishain: A person whose job is with a private company.
従業員jūgyōin: A person who works for an employer under an employment agreement.
職員shokuin: A person employed by an institution, office, or organization.

Definition in Japanese

会社などに雇われ、その一員として仕事をする人。kai sha na do ni yato wa re so no ichi in to shi te shi goto o su ru hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 社員 (shain) consists of 社 (sha, "company or organization") and 員 (in, "member"), linking employment with membership in an organization.

Usage tips

  • In Japan, an employee ID card is called 社員証 (shainshō), so this word often appears on workplace badges and access cards.

Opposites

  • 雇用主koyōshuemployernoun

Word lists with this word