司書
shisho[ɕiɕo̞]
In Japanese, 'librarian' can be expressed as 司書 (shisho) or 図書館員.
Meaning: one who cares for the publications etc. in a library (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 司書 | shisho | [ɕiɕo̞] (narrow) |
| 図書館員 | toshokan'in | [to̞ɕo̞kã̠ɰ̃ĩɴ] (narrow) |
In Japan, 図書館員 is the most commonly used term for a librarian. However, 司書 is used to specifically denote a professional who has obtained a professional qualification or expertise in the field.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 司書 is composed of the characters 司 (to administer or manage) and 書 (book or document). The term 図書館員 is composed of 図書館 (library) and 員 (member or employee).
Which one should you use?
司書 refers specifically to a certified professional librarian, whereas 図書館員 is a more general term used for any staff member or employee working at a library.
How do you pronounce it?
shisho
Did you know?
- The word 司書 is derived from ancient roles where the character 司 referred to government officials who administered state records and archives.
- In Japanese pop culture, specifically in anime and manga, the 司書 is often stereotyped as a strict, glasses-wearing figure who aggressively enforces silence.
- In Japan, you might see the term 司書 written on a professional certificate, but it is rarely used as a direct way to call out to a librarian in person. Instead, it is more common to address them as 職員さん or simply by their title.
Examples in context
- 私は図書館員です。I am a librarian.
- 彼女は図書係の仕事が好きです。She likes working as a librarian.
- 新しい図書委員が選ばれました。A new librarian/library committee member has been chosen.
- 彼女は大学の司書です。Kanojo wa daigaku no shisho desu.She is a university librarian.
- 司書さんに本を探してもらいました。Shisho-san ni hon o sagashite moraimashita.I had the librarian look for a book for me.
- 私の姉は司書の仕事をしています。Watashi no ane wa shisho no shigoto o shite imasu.My older sister works as a librarian.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are at a university library.
- 結衣 Yuiこの本、どこにあるのかな。Kono hon, doko ni aru no kana.I wonder where this book is.
- 健太 Kentaあそこに司書さんがいるよ。Asoko ni shisho-san ga iru yo.There is a librarian over there.
- 結衣 Yuiあの方に聞いてみるね。Ano kata ni kiite miru ne.I will try asking that person.
- 健太 Kentaうん、お願いするよ。Un, onegai suru yo.Yeah, please do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “librarian” translations and entries 司書, 図書館員, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
