介護士

• Reading: かいごし
• Romaji: kaigoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 介 (kai) — mediate, assist; 護 (go) — protect, guard; 士 (shi) — professional, specialist
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.ɡo.ɕi/

Meaning

Care worker; caregiver. A professional who provides daily assistance to elderly or disabled people.

A noun referring to a certified care worker, formally known as 介護福祉士 (kaigo fukushishi). Japan's ageing population has made this one of the most in-demand professions. Care workers assist with bathing, eating, mobility, and other daily activities in nursing homes, hospitals, or private residences.

Examples

1. 祖母の介護士さんはとても優しい人だ。 My grandmother's care worker is a very kind person.
2. 介護士の資格を取るために専門学校に通っている。 I'm attending a vocational school to get my care worker certification.
3. 人手不足で、介護士の求人がどこでも出ている。 There's a shortage of staff, and job postings for care workers are everywhere.

Usage Guide

Context: healthcare, elderly care, employment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 介 (kai, mediate/assist) + 護 (go, protect) + 士 (shi, professional/specialist). Literally 'a specialist who assists and protects.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal