面接
mensetsu[mẽ̞ɰ̃se̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase 'job interview' is translated into Japanese as 面接 (mensetsu).
面接 is a common and straightforward way to express a job interview. Depending on the specific context, other terms may be more precise: 就職面接 refers to a job interview in the context of seeking employment or starting a career, while 採用面接 specifically refers to a job interview for recruitment or hiring purposes.
Meaning: interview attended by a job applicant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 面接 (mensetsu) is composed of the characters 面 (face/surface) and 接 (contact/touch), literally meaning 'face-to-face contact'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this word in a sentence, the verb you pair with it changes based on your role.
How do you pronounce it?
mensetsu
Did you know?
- While many Western interviews value 'standing out', the ideal candidate in a Japanese 面接 is often the one who demonstrates 'harmony' and 'cooperation' through subtle cues. Expressing too much individualistic confidence can sometimes be interpreted as being difficult to manage within a team.
- During a 面接, applicants often perform a formal bow, or 礼, at a specific angle. The degree of the tilt reflects the level of respect and humility the candidate is showing to the interviewer.
- During a 面接, it is customary to use extremely polite, humble forms of speech called 敬語, which can change the entire grammatical structure of your sentences. Using standard polite Japanese might actually be considered too casual or even disrespectful in a high-stakes hiring scenario.
Examples in context
- 就職面接のとき、緊張した？Were you nervous during the job interview?This sentence is useful for asking about the experience of being nervous during a 面接.Tatoeba #8746177 by bunbuku, translation #4311298 by richke
- 午前中は、就職面接があるの。I have a job interview in the morning.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a 面接 in the morning.Tatoeba #11851746 by small_snow, translation #11135496 by ddnktr
- トムは、就職の面接に一張羅のスーツを着ていった。Tom wore his best suit to his job interview.This sentence is useful for describing someone wearing a specific suit to a 面接.Tatoeba #11848403 by bunbuku, translation #3620694 by patgfisher
- 正式な 面接 で会社へ行きました。I went to the company for a formal job interview.
- バイトの面接 の日程を教えてください。Please let me know the schedule for the part-time job interview.
- 採用面接 の担当者と話す機会を得ました。I had the opportunity to speak with the person in charge of the job interview.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is telling Himari about his upcoming career move.
- 健太 Kenta来週、会社で面接があるんだ。Raishuu, kaisha de mensetsu ga aru nda.I have an interview at a company next week.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、頑張ってくださいね！Kenta-san, ganbatte kudasai ne!Good luck, Kenta!
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。すごく緊張しているよ。Arigatou. Sugoku kinchou shite iru yo.Thanks. I'm really nervous.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫、きっと上手くいきますよ。Daijoubu, kitto umaku ikimasu yo.It's okay, I'm sure it will go well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “job interview” translations and entries 面接, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
