実習生
jisshūsei[d͡ʑiɕːɨːse̞ː]
The Japanese word for trainee, someone being formally trained in a workplace, is 実習生 (jisshūsei). 研修生 (kenshūsei) is also common. If unsure, use 実習生.
Meaning: someone being formally trained in a workplace (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 実習生 | jisshūsei | [d͡ʑiɕːɨːse̞ː] (narrow) |
| 研修生 | kenshūsei | [kẽ̞ɰ̃ɕɨːse̞ː] (narrow) |
実習生 is often used for people in technical internships or vocational training programs, including foreign workers placed in particular industries.
What does it mean word for word?
実習生 is made of 実習 (jisshū), meaning practical training or internship and 生 (sei), meaning student or person.
Which one should you use?
Both words mean trainee. 研修生 usually refers to someone in theoretical or classroom based training, while 実習生 suggests hands on, practical or field based training.
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese nouns usually do not need a plural, but you can add たち to make 実習生たち, meaning trainees.
How do you pronounce it?
Say jisshūsei with a short stop on the double s and a long ū held for two beats.
Did you know?
- In Japanese corporate culture, a new employee often undergoes 研修 (kenshū) that includes not just skills training, but rigorous instruction on business etiquette and bowing.
- In some contexts, a 実習生 might be called a インターン (intān), a loanword from the English 'intern' that carries a more modern, voluntary, or academic connotation.
- The suffix 生 (sei) used in both words is the same character found in 学生 (gakusei), meaning 'student', which implies that in a Japanese professional context, a trainee is still viewed as a learner rather than a full employee.
Examples in context
- 彼は技術実習生として働き始めました。Kare wa gijutsu jisshūsei toshite hataraki hajimemashita.He started working as a technical trainee.
- 新しい実習生を紹介します。Atarashii jisshūsei o shōkai shimasu.I will introduce the new trainee.
- 実習生はとても熱心に学んでいます。Jisshūsei wa totemo nesshin ni manande imasu.The trainee is studying very hard.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about a new coworker.
- 蓮 Renあの方は実習生ですか？Ano kata wa jisshuusei desu ka?Is that person a trainee?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、実習生として来ています。Hai, jisshuusei toshite kite imasu.Yes, they are here as a trainee.
- 蓮 Renとても一生懸命に働いていますね。Totemo isshoukenmei ni hataraite imasu ne.They are working very hard, aren't they?
- 陽葵 Himariええ、本当に真面目な方です。Ee, hontou ni majime na kata desu.Yes, they are a truly diligent person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trainee” translations and entries 実習生, 研修生, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
