1.
title, position, credential
A job title, official position, or credential attached to a person's name. Used on business cards, in introductions, and when describing someone's professional status. Can also refer more broadly to any label or qualification that defines someone's social standing.
名刺に肩書きを入れる。
Put a title on a business card.
彼は立派な肩書きを持っている。
He has an impressive title.
肩書きに頼らず実力で勝負したい。
I want to compete on ability, not rely on titles.
USAGE NOTE:
Often used in discussions about Japanese business culture, where titles carry significant weight. The expression 肩書きだけの refers to someone who has a title in name only, without real authority or ability.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 肩書きを持つ (have a title)
- 肩書きに頼る (rely on one's title)
- 肩書きだけの (title-only, nominal)
- 肩書きがない (have no title/credentials)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 役職: position, post (specifically within an organization hierarchy)
- 称号: honorary title or degree (more formal/academic)