肩書き

• Reading: かたがき
• Romaji: katagaki
• Kanji breakdown: 肩 (kata) — shoulder; 書 (ga/ka) — write, writing
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.ɡa.ki/

Meaning

Title; job title; position. A formal designation indicating rank or status, especially in business.

A compound noun from 肩 (shoulder) + 書き (writing). Originally referred to text written at the shoulder-area of a name card or document. In modern usage, covers professional titles (部長, 課長), academic degrees, and social status markers. Japanese business culture places great importance on 肩書き.

Examples

1. 名刺には名前だけでなく肩書きも書かれている。 Business cards include not just your name but also your job title.
2. 彼は肩書きにこだわらず、実力で評価されたいと言っている。 He says he doesn't want to be judged by his title — he wants to be evaluated on ability.
3. 定年後は肩書きがなくなり、自分の存在意義を見直した。 After retiring, he lost his title and found himself reconsidering his sense of purpose.

Usage Guide

Context: business, social, career

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Japanese: 肩 (kata, shoulder) + 書き (gaki, writing). Historically referred to titles written above one's name on formal documents, positioned at the 'shoulder' of the text.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal