Translation and Meaning of: 店員 - tenin

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 店員 (tenin) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: tenin

Kana: てんいん

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n4

店員

Translation / Meaning: shop assistant; employee; employee; seller

Meaning in English: shop assistant;employee;clerk;salesperson

Definition: Employees who work in stores and facilities.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (店員) tenin

The Japanese word 「店員」 (tenin) refers to a store clerk or attendant. This word is composed of two kanji: 「店」 (ten), which means "store," and 「員」 (in), which translates as "member" or "employee." Therefore, the combination of these characters forms the term that designates a person who works in commercial establishments, providing assistance and support to customers.

The origin of the word 「店員」 can be traced back to the vital role that store employees have always played in the economy and society in general. In Japan, customer service is highly valued, and 「店員」 therefore have the responsibility not only to conduct business transactions but also to maintain a high standard of service and hospitality. This cultural expectation has deep roots in the country's social interaction traditions, such as 「おもてなし」 (omotenashi), which emphasizes sincerity and attention to detail in customer service.

In addition to the main term, there are various ways in which 「店員」 can be used in more specific contexts. For example, 「店員さん」 (tenin-san) is a more polite and respectful way to refer to a clerk, adding the honorific suffix 「さん」 (san). In convenience stores, it's common to hear the expression 「コンビニ店員」 (konbini tenin), which means "convenience store clerk." This diversity of derivatives and applications of the word in different contexts highlights the importance and constant presence of the role of 「店員」 in various aspects of daily life in Japan.

Synonyms and similar words

販売員 (Hanbaiin) - Seller (generic term for people who work in sales)
店の人 (Mise no hito) - Store person (a more informal term for referring to store employees)
セールスマン (Sērusuman) - Seller (male)
セールスウーマン (Sērūsuūman) - Seller (female)
販売スタッフ (Hanbai sutaffu) - Sales team (a term that refers to all sales staff)
店舗スタッフ (Tenpo sutaffu) - Store team (including all employees of a store)
販売係 (Hanbai kakari) - Responsible for sales (a more formal term for someone who works in sales)
店員さん (Ten'in-san) - Store employee (polite way to refer to store staff)
ショップスタッフ (Shoppu sutaffu) - Store employees (type of store team, typically in retail environments)
販売アシスタント (Hanbai ashisutanto) - Sales assistant (for people who help in the sales process)
店舗アシスタント (Tenpo ashisutanto) - Store assistant (for people who help with store operations)
販売員氏 (Hanbaiin-shi) - Mr./Ms. Seller (more formal or respectful form)
店員氏 (Ten'in-shi) - Mr./Ms. store employee (more formal or respectful form)