(しゃかい)(こうけん)

しゃかいこうけん
noun
social contribution; contributing to society
1. social contribution; contributing to society; community service
Activities or efforts that benefit society at large, including volunteer work, charitable giving, and corporate social responsibility. A key concept in Japanese corporate and civic culture.
社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)活動(かつどう)参加(さんか)する。
To participate in community service activities.
この会社(かいしゃ)社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)(ちから)()れている。
This company puts effort into social contribution.
仕事(しごと)(つう)じて社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)ができることに(ほこ)りを(かん)じている。
I feel proud that I can contribute to society through my work.

A compound of 社会(しゃかい) (society) + 貢献(こうけん) (contribution). This is a highly valued concept in Japanese society, frequently used in corporate mission statements, job interviews, and discussions about civic responsibility. Japanese companies often have dedicated CSR (企業(きぎょう)社会的(しゃかいてき)責任(せきにん)) departments.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)活動(かつどう): social contribution activities
  • 社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)をする: to contribute to society
  • 地域(ちいき)社会(しゃかい)への貢献(こうけん): contribution to the local community
  • 社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)(): degree of social contribution

CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese job interviews, expressing a desire to contribute to society (社会(しゃかい)貢献(こうけん)がしたい) is a common and valued response when discussing career motivation.