雇用保険
koyō hoken
The Japanese term for unemployment insurance is 雇用保険 (koyō hoken).
In Japan, the term for unemployment insurance is literally 'employment insurance' (雇用保険).
Meaning: insurance against loss of earnings (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 雇用 (koyō), meaning employment and 保険 (hoken), meaning insurance.
Which one should you use?
The formal term for unemployment insurance is 失業保険.
How do you pronounce it?
koyō hoken
Did you know?
- To receive 雇用保険 benefits, a person must register at a 'Hello Work' office, which is the English name used officially for Japanese public employment security offices.
- While 雇用保険 covers unemployment, it also provides benefits for childcare and nursing care leave, which is why the government prefers the term 'employment insurance' over 'unemployment insurance'.
- The kanji 険 in 保険 is also used in the word for 'steep' or 'precipitous', reflecting the original idea of a dangerous cliff edge.
Examples in context
- 失業保険について話しましょう。Let's talk about unemployment insurance.
- 失業手当の申請が難しいんだよね。It's difficult to apply for unemployment benefits, you know.
- 雇用保険に加入しています。Koyō hoken ni kanyū shite imasu.I am enrolled in unemployment insurance.
- 雇用保険の手続きを確認しましょう。Koyō hoken no tetsuzuki o kakunin shimashō.Let's check the procedures for unemployment insurance.
- 雇用保険の給付額を知りたいです。Koyō hoken no kyūfu gaku o shiritai desu.I want to know the amount of unemployment insurance benefits.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing job hunting and benefits at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui仕事を探すときは、雇用保険も大切だよ。Shigoto o sagasu toki wa, koyō hoken mo taisetsu da yo.Unemployment insurance is also important when looking for a job.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。念のため確認しておくよ。Sō da ne. Nen no tame kakunin shite oku yo.That's true. I'll check it just in case.
- 結衣 Yui健太なら、しっかり準備できると思う。Kenta nara, shikkari junbi dekiru to omou.I think you can prepare thoroughly, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、結衣。助かるよ。Arigatō, Yui. Tasukaru yo.Thanks, Yui. That helps.
