就労

• Reading: しゅうろう
• Romaji: shūrō
• Kanji breakdown: 就 (shū) — to take up, engage in; 労 (rō) — labour, work
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.ɾoː/

Meaning

Employment; working; gaining employment. Refers to the act of entering or engaging in paid work.

A noun and suru-verb (就労する) used in formal and administrative contexts to describe engaging in paid employment. It appears frequently in visa and immigration documentation (就労ビザ), labour law discussions, and welfare policy. Distinct from 就職 (shūshoku), which emphasises getting a job, 就労 focuses on the state of being employed or the act of working.

Examples

1. 外国人が日本で就労するには適切なビザが必要だ。 Foreign nationals need a proper visa to work in Japan.
2. 障害者の就労支援に取り組む非営利団体が増えている。 An increasing number of nonprofits are working to support employment for people with disabilities.
3. 就労経験のない若者に対してインターンシップ制度が設けられた。 An internship program was established for young people with no work experience.

Usage Guide

Context: immigration, labour law, welfare policy, employment

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 就 (shū) meaning 'to engage in or take up' and 労 (rō) meaning 'labour or work.' A formal compound used in legal and administrative contexts.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes