1.
career advancement; promotion; getting ahead at work
rising in one's career or position within an organization
彼は若くして出世した。
He advanced in his career at a young age.
出世のために残業を厭わない。
I don't mind working overtime for career advancement.
出世コースから外れてしまった。
I fell off the fast track for promotion.
2.
success in life; rising in the world; making one's way up
achieving social or financial success, improving one's status in society
田舎から出てきて出世した。
He came from the countryside and made it big.
彼女は芸能界で出世した。
She rose to success in the entertainment industry.
出世払いで借金を返す約束をした。
I promised to pay back the debt when I make it big.
FORMATION:
出 (exit, emerge) + 世 (world) → emerge into the world
VERB FORM:
出世する (to advance in one's career)
RELATED COMPOUNDS:
- 出世コース (fast track for promotion)
- 出世街道 (path to success)
- 出世払い (paying back when successful)
- 出世頭 (person risen to high position)
- 出世魚 (fish whose name changes as it grows)
出世魚:
Some fish like 鰤 (yellowtail) are called 出世魚 because their names change as they grow larger, symbolizing advancement.
WORK CULTURE:
In traditional Japanese corporate culture (年功序列), 出世 was largely based on seniority. Modern companies increasingly emphasize merit-based promotion.