Welcome to your comprehensive guide on how to say “hire” in Japanese! Whether you’re planning to recruit employees, looking for a job, or simply interested in expanding your language skills, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “hire” in Japanese, along with useful tips, examples, and some regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Hire”
1. “雇う” (Yatou)
“雇う” (pronounced as “yatou”) is a commonly used term in Japanese that translates to “to hire” or “to employ.” It’s the formal and standard way to express the concept of hiring someone for a job or position. This word is appropriate for various contexts, from employment contracts to official documents and professional conversations. Here’s an example sentence:
私たちは新しい従業員を雇いたいです。
(Watashitachi wa atarashii jūgyōin o yatoitai desu.)
We want to hire new employees.
2. “採用する” (Saiyō suru)
Another formal expression is “採用する” (pronounced as “saiyō suru”), which means “to hire” or “to recruit.” This term is commonly used in job advertisements, interviews, and formal business contexts. If you want to emphasize the action of selecting and hiring someone, this phrase is a great choice. Here’s an example:
弊社は有能な候補者を採用するつもりです。
(Heisha wa yūnōna kōhosha o saiyō suru tsumoridesu.)
Our company intends to hire capable candidates.
Informal Expressions for “Hire”
1. “雇う” (Yatou) – Informal Usage
In addition to the formal usage, “雇う” (yatou) can also be used in casual conversations or when speaking with friends and colleagues. Although it is less formal, it remains widely understood and accepted. Here’s an informal example:
あの会社、最近新しいスタッフを雇ったみたい。
(Ano kaisha, saikin atarashii sutaffu o yatta mitai.)
That company seems to have hired new staff recently.
2. “使う” (Tsukau)
While not a direct translation for “hire,” the verb “使う” (pronounced as “tsukau”) can be used informally to convey the concept of hiring someone. It literally means “to use” and is commonly used in casual conversations or informal contexts. Here’s an example:
彼らはプログラマーを使って新しいウェブサイトを作ります。
(Karera wa puroguramā o tsukatte atarashii webusaito o tsukurimasu.)
They’re hiring a programmer to create a new website.
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken across different regions, and some variations exist in their expressions. However, when it comes to stating “hire,” the aforementioned formal and informal phrases are widely used throughout Japan. Regional variations mainly revolve around dialects rather than distinct ways of saying “hire.”
Tips for Using “Hire” in Japanese
- Context Matters: Consider the formality of the situation. Formal expressions should be used in professional settings, business communications, and official documents, while informal expressions are suitable for casual conversations.
- Politeness: Adding polite expressions, such as “お願いします” (onegaishimasu, please), can enhance your request to hire someone and show respect.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to how native speakers use these expressions and adapt accordingly. Learning from real-life examples will help you understand the subtle nuances.
- Vocabulary Building: To expand your knowledge, study related terms such as “採用面接” (saiyō mensetsu, job interview) or “従業員募集” (jūgyōin boshū, employee recruitment).
- Language Exchange: Engaging in language exchange with native speakers is an excellent way to improve your proficiency and gain insights into cultural differences around hiring practices.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned various ways to express “hire” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your usage based on the context and level of formality required. Whether you’re looking to recruit employees or seeking employment opportunities, these expressions will come in handy. Explore the nuances, practice with native speakers, and continue expanding your Japanese vocabulary. Best of luck with your language journey! ご幸運を祈ります (Gokōun o inorimasu)!
