ノルマ

• Reading: ノルマ
• Romaji: noruma
• Pronunciation: /no.ɾɯ.ma/

Meaning

Quota; assigned target. A required amount of work or output that must be achieved.

A loanword from Russian 'норма' (norma, norm/standard). Widely used in Japanese workplaces to describe sales targets, production quotas, or mandatory minimums. Common phrases include ノルマを達成する (to meet one's quota), ノルマがきつい (the quota is tough), and 営業ノルマ (sales quota). Carries a somewhat negative connotation of pressure and obligation.

Examples

1. 今月の営業ノルマをなんとか達成できた。 I managed to meet my sales quota for this month.
2. ノルマが厳しすぎて社員のストレスが増えている。 The quotas are too strict, and employee stress is increasing.
3. アルバイトにもノルマが課される職場は避けたい。 I want to avoid workplaces where even part-timers are assigned quotas.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, sales, business, employment

Tone: pragmatic

Origin & History

Borrowed from Russian 'норма' (norma), meaning norm or standard. Entered Japanese during the post-war period, likely through contact with Soviet concepts of production quotas. Uniquely, this Russian loanword is well-established in everyday Japanese while being uncommon as a loanword in English.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working/Professional