1.
new employee; newly hired worker
A person who has just joined a company. In Japan, most new employees start in April after graduating from university. Composed of 新入 (newly entering) + 社員 (company employee). Often abbreviated to 新人 in casual speech.
新入社員が入ってきた。
New employees joined the company.
新入社員研修は一か月かかる。
New employee training takes one month.
今年の新入社員は即戦力として期待されている。
This year's new employees are expected to contribute immediately.
USAGE:
In Japanese corporate culture, 新入社員 specifically refers to employees in their first year at a company, typically fresh graduates who start in April. They are expected to learn workplace etiquette and culture through formal training (研修).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 新入社員研修 (new employee training)
- 新入社員歓迎会 (welcome party for new employees)
- 新入社員を迎える (to welcome new employees)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Every April, companies hold 入社式 (joining ceremonies) for new hires. Media surveys of 新入社員 attitudes are a spring tradition in Japan.