専攻

• Reading: せんこう
• Romaji: senkou
• Kanji breakdown: 専 (sen) — exclusive, specialized; 攻 (kou) — to attack, to study
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.koː/

Meaning

Major subject; special study; specialization. The academic field one focuses on at university.

A noun and suru verb used primarily in university contexts. 専攻する means to major in a subject. It can also function as a no-adjective (専攻の) to modify other nouns. Commonly paired with academic fields like 経済学専攻 (economics major).

Examples

1. 大学での専攻は何ですか。 What is your major at university?
2. 姉は心理学を専攻している。 My older sister is majoring in psychology.
3. 専攻を変えるかどうか迷っています。 I'm trying to decide whether to change my major.

Usage Guide

Context: university, career, self-introduction

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 専 (exclusive, specialized) and 攻 (to attack, to study). Together they convey the idea of dedicating oneself to studying a particular field.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adults

Social background: Universal