フリーター

フリーター is a Japanese coinage from "free" + アルバイター (from German "Arbeiter," worker). The term emerged in the late 1980s.

Cultural note

Some choose this lifestyle for flexibility or while pursuing dreams (music, acting). However, it can also indicate difficulty entering the regular job market, especially after Japan's economic downturn. Being a long-term フリーター carries some social stigma, as 正社員(せいしゃいん) (full-time employment) is considered the standard career path.

Related employment terms

• 正社員(せいしゃいん): full-time regular employee
• 派遣(はけん)社員(しゃいん): temporary/dispatch worker
• 契約(けいやく)社員(しゃいん): contract employee
• アルバイト: part-time job
• ニート: NEET (not in education, employment, or training)