資格

• Reading: しかく
• Romaji: shikaku
• Kanji breakdown: 資 (shi) — resources, capital; 格 (kaku) — status, standard
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Qualifications; requirements; credentials needed for a position or role.

A noun referring to official qualifications, licences, or eligibility criteria. Common expressions: 資格を取る (shikaku wo toru, to obtain a qualification), 資格試験 (shikaku shiken, certification exam), 受験資格 (juken shikaku, eligibility to take an exam). Often used in job listings and career contexts. Distinct from 四角 (shikaku, square) which uses different kanji.

Examples

1. 来月、英語の資格試験を受ける予定だ。 I'm planning to take an English certification exam next month.
2. 彼女はたくさんの資格を持っている。 She holds a lot of qualifications.
3. この仕事に応募するには特別な資格が必要です。 You need special qualifications to apply for this job.

Usage Guide

Context: career, education, professional development

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 資 (resources/capital) and 格 (status/standard), together meaning the standard of capability one possesses. Used in Japanese since the Meiji era for modern credentialing systems.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal