What does it mean word for word?
The word 専攻 (senkō) literally means "major" or "specialization".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or polite situations, such as when speaking to teachers or people you do not know well, you can use the standard phrase 専攻は…です (senkō wa … desu). Alternatively, you can say Watashi no senkō wa [major] desu. or Watashi wa [major] o benkyō shiteimasu. For informal situations with close friends, you may use Boku no senkō wa [major] da, which is commonly used by male speakers or Watashi no senkō wa [major]なんだよ, which is suitable for both male and female speakers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, a common expression typically used by male speakers is Ore no senkō wa [major]やで。
How does it change in a sentence?
To complete the sentence 'My major is [subject]', you should end the phrase with です (desu).
How do you pronounce it?
senkō wa
Did you know?
- In many Japanese academic settings, your identity is defined less by your major and more by your ゼミ (zemi). This refers to a specific research seminar or small group, which is often more central to a student's academic life than the broad major itself.
- The kanji 専 in 専攻 means 'exclusive' or 'sole'. This reflects a cultural value placed on the deep devotion and total mastery of a single field of study.
- Changing a major, or 専攻を変える (senkō o kaeru), is historically much rarer in Japan than in the US. This is because students are typically admitted into a specific faculty at the time of university entry.
Examples in context
- 私の専攻は経済学です。watashi no senkou wa keizaigaku desu.My major is economics.
Example conversation
Two university students are getting to know each other at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんの専攻は何ですか？yui-san no senkou wa nan desu ka?What is your major, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui私の専攻は心理学です。watashi no senkou wa shinrigaku desu.My major is psychology.
- 健太 Kentaそうですか。私の専攻は法学です。sou desu ka. watashi no senkou wa hougaku desu.I see. My major is law.
- 結衣 Yui大変そうですね。taihen sou desu ne.That sounds difficult.
