初任給(しょにんきゅう)

しょにんきゅう
noun
starting salary
1. starting salary, first paycheck
The salary received at the beginning of one's employment, or specifically the first paycheck a new employee receives.
初任給(しょにんきゅう)で親(おや)にプレゼントを買(か)った。
I bought my parents a present with my first paycheck.
大卒(だいそつ)の初任給(しょにんきゅう)は約(やく)22万円(まんえん)だ。
The starting salary for university graduates is about 220,000 yen.
この会社(かいしゃ)は初任給(しょにんきゅう)が高(たか)いことで知(し)られている。
This company is known for its high starting salary.

初任給(しょにんきゅう) combines 初任(しょにん) (first appointment) + 給(きゅう) (salary). Refers both to the starting salary level and to the first paycheck itself.

CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japan, it is a common tradition to buy a gift for one's parents with the first paycheck as a gesture of gratitude. This is a widely recognized milestone for new graduates.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 初任給(しょにんきゅう)で買(か)う: to buy with one's first paycheck
  • 初任給(しょにんきゅう)の平均(へいきん): average starting salary
  • 初任給(しょにんきゅう)が上(あ)がる: starting salaries rise
  • 大卒(だいそつ)初任給(しょにんきゅう): starting salary for university graduates

RELATED WORDS:

  • 給料(きゅうりょう): salary, pay (general)
  • 年収(ねんしゅう): annual income
  • 手取(てど)り: take-home pay
general
Added 2026.2.18 8:15 · Revised 2026.3.28 12:50
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