履歴書

• Reading: りれきしょ
• Romaji: rirekisho
• Kanji breakdown: 履 (ri) — footwear, walk over; 歴 (reki) — history, passage of time; 書 (sho) — write, document
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.ɾe.ki.ɕo/

Meaning

Resume; curriculum vitae. A document listing one's personal history, education, and work experience.

A noun referring to the standardized resume format used in Japan. Japanese 履歴書 typically includes a photo, date of birth, and is often handwritten to show sincerity. The format is quite different from Western-style resumes.

Examples

1. 履歴書を三枚書きました。 I wrote three resumes.
2. 面接の前に履歴書を送ってください。 Please send your resume before the interview.
3. 履歴書に写真を貼るのを忘れないでね。 Don't forget to attach a photo to your resume.

Usage Guide

Context: job applications, career services, hiring process

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 履歴 (rireki, personal history/career) and 書 (sho, document/writing). Literally a document of one's personal history.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Working age

Social background: Universal