採用

• Reading: さいよう
• Romaji: saiyou
• Kanji breakdown: 採 (sai) — take, select, gather; 用 (you) — use, employ
• Pronunciation: /sa.i.jo.ɯ/

Meaning

Adoption; hiring; acceptance. Taking on a new employee, or adopting a plan, method, or proposal.

A versatile noun and する-verb with two main senses. (1) Hiring: 新卒採用 (new graduate recruitment), 中途採用 (mid-career hiring), 採用面接 (job interview), 採用試験 (employment exam). (2) Adoption of ideas: 新技術を採用する (adopt new technology), 提案が採用された (the proposal was accepted). Context determines the meaning.

Examples

1. 今年は新卒採用の枠を大幅に増やす方針だ。 The plan is to significantly increase the number of new graduate hires this year.
2. 彼女の企画が採用されて、来月からプロジェクトが始まる。 Her proposal was accepted, and the project will kick off next month.
3. 採用面接では、自分の強みを具体的に伝えることが大切だ。 In a job interview, it's important to clearly communicate your strengths.

Usage Guide

Context: business, human resources, general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 採 (sai, take/select/gather) + 用 (you, use/employ). Literally 'selecting for use' — choosing and putting into service.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal