所属

しょぞく

attached to, belong to

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"所属" (しょぞく) means to belong to or be attached to an organization, group, or company. It is often used in formal or business contexts to indicate membership or affiliation.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "所属" used when talking about which department, company, or club someone belongs to. It emphasizes the official or formal connection.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 所属する (しょぞくする): to belong to, to be affiliated with
  • 所属会社 (しょぞくがいしゃ): affiliated company
  • 所属部門 (しょぞくぶもん): affiliated department

Register and Nuance

"所属" is a formal noun and is often used in written language, official documents, or polite speech. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler verbs like "いる" or "入っている" might be used.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "所属" with just "いる" (to be) or "入る" (to enter/join). "所属" specifically stresses formal membership or affiliation, not just presence or casual participation.

Example Sentences

かれはえいぎょうぶにしょぞくしています。

He belongs to the sales department.

しょぞくがいしゃのきそくをまもらなければならない。

You must follow the rules of your affiliated company.

このクラブにしょぞくするがくせいはまいしゅうあつまります。

Students belonging to this club gather every week.