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Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 年功序列

ねんこうじょれつ (nenkou joretsu)

English Translation:

Seniority system

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Literally “years of service, order of rank”; ranking and paying people by age or length of service.
日本語で読む
年齢や勤めた年数に応じて、地位や給料が上がっていくこと。また、そのしくみ。

Cultural Context:

年功 means merit built up over many years, and 序列 means order of rank. It may be used to describe traditional Japanese company systems, and it may be contrasted with pay based on results or ability.
日本語で読む
「年功」は長年つとめた実績、「序列」は順番や順位のこと。日本の伝統的な会社のしくみを表すほか、成果主義と比べて語られることもある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase; often “年功序列の会社” or “年功序列制度.”
日本語で読む
• 「〜の会社」「〜制度」の形で使うことが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

序 is read じょ, not じゅ. 年功 is written with 功 (merit), not 効 or 講, even though they are all read こう.
日本語で読む
「序」は「じゅ」ではなく「じょ」と読む。「年功」は「効」や「講」ではなく、手柄を表す「功」と書く。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. その会社は年功序列で、若い社員はなかなか昇進できない。

    That company follows a seniority system, so young employees rarely get promoted.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 忍の里は年功序列ではなく、腕の立つ者が若くても頭に選ばれた。

    The ninja village did not follow seniority; even a young ninja could become leader if skilled enough.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「年功序列」 mean?

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