Meaning and Usage
"公務員" (こうむいん) refers to a government worker or public servant employed by local or national government agencies. It is a common term used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing jobs, employment, or government-related topics.
Common Contexts
This word often appears when talking about employment stability, government exams, or public sector work. For example, "公務員試験" refers to the civil service examination required to become a public servant.
Collocations and Patterns
- 公務員試験 (こうむいんしけん): civil service exam, a key step to becoming a public servant.
- 公務員として働く: to work as a public servant.
- 安定した公務員の仕事: stable public servant job, often used to highlight job security.
Register and Nuance
"公務員" is a neutral and formal term appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. It is not slang and is widely understood.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "公務員" with "会社員" (company employee). Remember, "公務員" specifically means government employee, not private sector worker.