実務

• Reading: じつむ
• Romaji: jitsumu
• Kanji breakdown: 実 (jitsu) — real, actual; 務 (mu) — duty, work, service
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.tsɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

Practical business; hands-on work. The actual day-to-day tasks and operations of a job.

A noun contrasting with theory or planning. Key collocations: 実務経験 (practical experience), 実務能力 (practical skills), 実務に携わる (be involved in practical work), 実務者 (practitioner). In job listings and evaluations, 実務経験 is often a requirement. Emphasises doing the work itself, not studying or theorising about it.

Examples

1. 資格を取ったが、実務経験がないと転職は難しい。 I got the certification, but without practical work experience, changing jobs is difficult.
2. 彼女は実務能力が高く、どんな仕事も的確にこなす。 She has strong practical skills and handles any task accurately.
3. 研修期間が終わり、来週からいよいよ実務に入る。 The training period is over, and I'm finally getting into the actual work starting next week.

Usage Guide

Context: business, career, human resources

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 実 (jitsu, real/actual) + 務 (mu, duty/work). Literally 'real duties' — the actual work as opposed to theoretical study.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional