カウンセラー
kaunserā[ka̠ɯ̟̃ɰ̃se̞ɾa̠ː]
The English phrase "counselor" can be translated into Japanese using several terms depending on the context. The default form is カウンセラー (kaunserā). Wiktionary also lists 顧問 (komon) and 相談役 (sōdan'yaku).
Meaning: professional who counsels people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| カウンセラー | kaunserā | [ka̠ɯ̟̃ɰ̃se̞ɾa̠ː] (narrow) |
| 顧問 | komon | [ko̞mõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 相談役 | sōdan'yaku | [so̞ːdã̠ɰ̃ja̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for "counselor" depending on whether you are referring to mental health services or professional advisory roles. The loanword カウンセラー is used specifically for professional psychological counseling services. The term Shinrishi (心理士) is a common and generic term for a counselor or therapist in Japan.
Which one should you use?
The terms are distinguished by their professional setting. カウンセラー is used specifically for psychological or mental health counselors. In contrast, 顧問 is used for an advisor or consultant in a business, legal or organizational context. Similarly, 相談役 refers to an advisor or person in a consultative role, often within a company or community.
How do you pronounce it?
kaunserā
Did you know?
- The term カウンセラー is written in katakana, the alphabet used for foreign words, which signals that the concept of professional psychological counseling was imported from the West.
- In Japanese corporate culture, 顧問 often refers to a retired executive who is kept on as a consultant to maintain their status and network.
- The term 相談役 can describe a powerful 'shadow' advisor who wields significant influence over a company without holding a formal executive title.
Examples in context
- 私は心理士に相談したいです。I want to consult with a counselor.
- 彼女は学校のカウンセラーです。Kanojo wa gakkou no kaunseraa desu.She is a school counselor.
- そのカウンセラーはとても親切です。Sono kaunseraa wa totemo shinsetsu desu.That counselor is very kind.
Example conversation
Yui and Daito are talking about managing stress.
- 結衣 Yui最近、ストレスが溜まっているの。Saikin, sutoresu ga tamatte iru no.I've been feeling stressed lately.
- 大翔 Hirotoカウンセラーに話してみたらどうかな？Kaunserā ni hanashite mitara dō kana?Why don't you try talking to a counselor?
- 結衣 Yuiそれはいい考えね。Sore wa ii kangae ne.That is a good idea.
- 大翔 Hirotoきっと気分が楽になるよ。Kitto kibun ga raku ni naru yo.I'm sure you'll feel better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “counselor” translations and entries カウンセラー, 顧問, 相談役, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
