Translation and Meaning of: 兼業 - kengyou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 兼業 (けんぎょう). It appears in professional contexts, discussions about lifestyle, and even in articles about the economy. But what exactly does this term mean and how is it used in everyday Japanese? In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural aspects related to this expression.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it is important to know how the Japanese perceive this word in the workplace and in society. Does it have positive or negative connotations? How to memorize it efficiently? Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to master the language without falling into interpretation pitfalls.

Meaning and use of 兼業

The word 兼業 (けんぎょう) literally means "side job" or "parallel activity." It is composed of the kanji 兼 (which carries the idea of accumulating or combining) and 業 (related to business or occupation). Together, they describe the practice of holding more than one profession or source of income simultaneously.

In Japan, the term is often used in expressions like 兼業農家 (けんぎょうのうか), which refers to farmers who also have another job. With the rise of remote work and side jobs, the word has gained even more relevance in recent years. Unlike what some may think, it does not have a negative connotation, but rather neutral — it all depends on the context in which it is applied.

Cultural and Social Context

In Japanese society, the idea of 兼業 has not always been well regarded. During the economic growth period after the war, exclusive dedication to one company was considered ideal. However, with changes in the job market and the rising cost of living, having multiple occupations has become a reality for many.

Today, young professionals especially adopt 兼業 as a way to explore different skills or ensure financial security. Traditional companies may still view it with reservations, but startups and more modern sectors tend to accept this practice better. Interestingly, the pandemic accelerated this trend, leading even the Japanese government to discuss more flexible labor policies.

How to memorize and use correctly

An effective way to commit 兼業 to memory is to associate the first kanji (兼) with words like 兼任 (けんにん - holding multiple positions) and the second (業) with like 職業 (しょくぎょう - profession). This connection helps to understand the composition of the term without the need for mechanical memorization.

When using the word, that it mainly appears in formal or descriptive contexts. Sentences like "彼は兼業でデザイナーをしている" (He works as a designer in parallel) illustrate its everyday use well. Avoid applying it in very casual situations, where Japanese people prefer simpler expressions like 副業 (ふくぎょう - side job).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 副業 (Fukugyō) - Secondary activity or side job, usually in a sector different from the main one.
• サイドビジネス (Saido Bijinesu) - Side business, often related to ventures that complement the main income.
• パラレルキャリア (Parareru Kyaria) - Parallel career, which emphasizes the development of multiple skills or interests throughout life.