常勤

• Reading: じょうきん
• Romaji: joukin
• Kanji breakdown: 常 (jou) — always, constant, regular; 勤 (kin/gon) — work, service, duty
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.kiɴ/

Meaning

Full-time employment; full-time work. Working at a set schedule on a regular, ongoing basis.

A noun and suru-verb (intransitive) referring to full-time employment, as opposed to 非常勤 (hijoukin, part-time). Common in job listings and workplace discussions. 常勤 implies a regular, continuous work arrangement with set hours and benefits. Often used as a modifier: 常勤講師 (joukin koushi, full-time lecturer), 常勤職員 (joukin shokuin, full-time staff). An important distinction in Japanese employment culture where full-time status carries significant social and economic weight.

Examples

1. 来月から常勤として働くことになった。 I'm going to start working full-time starting next month.
2. 常勤と非常勤では待遇に大きな差がある。 There is a big difference in treatment between full-time and part-time employees.
3. 大学で常勤の講師を募集している。 The university is recruiting full-time lecturers.

Usage Guide

Context: employment, job hunting, HR, academia

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 常 (jou, constant/regular) + 勤 (kin, work/service). Literally 'constant work' — working on a regular, ongoing basis.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working professionals