抜擢(ばってき)

抜擢(ばってき) refers to selecting someone for a position based on merit, often skipping normal seniority.

Word type

• Noun
• Also used as する verb: 抜擢(ばってき)する (to select/promote)
• Commonly in passive: 抜擢(ばってき)される (to be selected/promoted)

Writing

• 抜(ばつ) (pull out, select)
• 擢(てき) (select)
• 擢(てき) is a rare kanji
• Sometimes written: 抜(ばっ)てき

Key feature

• Implies selection based on ability, not seniority
• Breaking from Japanese traditional 年功序列(ねんこうじょれつ) (seniority system)
• Often described as 異例(いれい) (unusual/exceptional)

Common collocations

• 抜擢(ばってき)する (to select/promote)
• 抜擢(ばってき)される (to be selected)
• 異例(いれい)の抜擢(ばってき) (unusual promotion)
• 大抜擢(ばってき) (major promotion)
• 若手(わかて)を抜擢(ばってき)する (promote young talent)

Usage

• Corporate promotions
• Sports team selections
• Political appointments
• Entertainment industry casting
• Positive connotation (recognition of talent)
• Implies someone deserving was chosen
• Can cause controversy if seen as favoritism

Related words

• 昇進(しょうしん) (promotion - standard)
• 登用(とうよう) (appointment, employment)
• 起用(きよう) (appointment, selection)

DIFFERENCE FROM 昇進(しょうしん):

• 抜擢(ばってき): Merit-based, often unexpected
• 昇進(しょうしん): Standard career advancement

Register: Formal. Common in business news and official announcements.