内定

• Reading: ないてい
• Romaji: naitei
• Kanji breakdown: 内 (internal/informal) + 定 (decided/settled) → informally decided; unofficial offer
• Pronunciation: /na.i.te.i/

Meaning

An unofficial job offer given to a student before graduation, securing their employment upon finishing university.

内定 is the ultimate goal of 就活 (job hunting). In Japan's unique mass-recruitment system, companies offer 内定 to graduating students months before they actually start working (typically April after graduation). Receiving 内定 brings immense relief and celebration. However, students may hold multiple 内定 and must decline all but one. The system has specific timing rules set by the government, though companies increasingly push the schedule earlier.

Examples

1. 第一志望の会社から内定もらえて、嬉しくて泣いた。 I got an offer from my top-choice company and was so happy I cried.
2. 内定3つ持ってるけど、どこにするか全然決められない。 I have three job offers, but I can't decide which one to go with at all.
3. 内定式があるから、来月東京に行かないと。 There's an offer ceremony next month, so I have to go to Tokyo.

Usage Guide

Context: job hunting, university, family, social media

Tone: celebratory, relieved

Do Say

• 内定おめでとう！長い就活お疲れさま。 (Congratulations on the offer! Great job through that long job hunt.)
• 内定もらったけど、本当にこの会社でいいのか迷ってる。 (I got an offer, but I'm not sure if this is really the right company for me.)

Don't Say

• NNTの人に「まだ内定ないの？」は追い詰める (Asking 'you still don't have an offer?' pressures someone who is already struggling)

Common Mistakes

• Thinking 内定 is legally binding — technically students can decline, but doing so (内定辞退) is considered very bad form and can damage the relationship between the company and university

Origin & History

From 内 (internal/unofficial) + 定 (decided/fixed). The term reflects the Japanese employment system where offers are made informally (内々定) then officially confirmed (内定) months before the actual employment start date.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar employment system, ongoing

Generation: University students and recent graduates

Social background: Universal among job-seeking students

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Central to Japan's unique 新卒一括採用 (mass new-graduate hiring) system.