1.
title, position, credential
A person's official title, rank, or position, especially as used on business cards or in formal introductions.
名刺に肩書を入れる。
Put your title on your business card.
彼の肩書は部長だ。
His title is department manager.
肩書だけで人を判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge people only by their titles.
WORD FORMATION:
肩 (shoulder) + 書 (writing) — originally referred to text written above a person's name, where titles were placed.
KANJI NOTE:
Also written as 肩書き with okurigana.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 肩書がある: to have a title
- 肩書に{こだわ}る: to be particular about titles
- 立派な肩書: an impressive title
NOTE:
In Japanese business culture, 肩書 is important for establishing hierarchy and proper etiquette. Business cards (名刺) always include one's title.