The Meaning of kenshū [研修] In Japanese

研修
けんしゅう
Romaji: kenshū N4

What does 研修 mean?

Translation and Meaning

training, on-the-job training, workshop, seminar

Definition

What does 研修 mean? It refers to formal training and structured learning designed to develop skills and knowledge, typically within workplaces or educational programs, often involving coursework, practice, and assessment. In everyday usage it covers onboarding, skill-building courses, seminars, and practical training to improve performance and expertise.

Type

Noun (suru noun)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Corporate training and professional development within companies, including onboarding, skill upgrades, and leadership programs
  • Educational or professional workshops and seminars for skill acquisition, continuing education, or certification prep
  • On-the-job or field training that accompanies work tasks to acquire practical competencies

Etymology

研 to grind, refine, study; 修 to train, cultivate; together they express refining through study and practice in Japanese usage, shaping the modern reading ken-shū

Origin

Origins trace to Chinese characters adopted into Japanese writing; the concept as organized training and disciplined study evolved through historical eras, with modern corporate and educational uses solidifying in the 20th century as a term for formal instruction and skill development.

Composition

  • 研: to grind, refine, study
  • 修: to train, cultivate
  • Combination: refining through study and practice to form a formal training process

Usage

Used as a noun denoting a formal learning process in work or education. Common with verbs like 受ける or 実施する, forming phrases such as 研修を受ける and 研修を実施する. Appears in formal and semi-formal contexts, such as company onboarding, professional development programs, and accredited training courses; less typical in casual self-study contexts.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine sharpening a blade (研) with steady practice (修) to become skilled; the idea is to refine ability through study and training.

Variations

  • 訓練 kunren — general training or drill
  • 講習 kōshū — instruction or course
  • セミナー seminā — seminar or workshop

Example Phrases

  • 明日、会社の「研修」に参加します。
    Ashita, kaisha no 「kenshū」 ni sanka shimasu.
    Tomorrow I will attend my company’s training.
    Lista:
    • 明日 (ashita) – tomorrow
    • 会社 (kaisha) – company
    • の (no) – of
    • 「研修」 (kenshū) – training
    • に (ni) – to
    • 参加します (sanka shimasu) – participate
    Here 「研修」 means training; it’s part of the noun phrase 会社の研修, and に marks the target of 参加します.
研修