人手不足が続く
人手不足が続くため、残業が増えています。
Due to the continuing labor shortage, overtime has increased.
A situation where a company or industry consistently lacks enough workers to meet demand, resulting in ongoing operational challenges.
この業界では人手不足が続く一方で、給料も上がっていない。
In this industry, the labor shortage continues while wages remain stagnant.
人手不足が続く中、企業は外国人労働者の受け入れを検討しています。
Amid the ongoing labor shortage, companies are considering accepting foreign workers.
Often used in business, economics, or labor market discussions. The phrase can refer to both quantitative shortages (not enough workers) and qualitative shortages (workers lacking required skills).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
Use this phrase when discussing systemic workforce issues in Japan, particularly in industries like healthcare, construction, or service sectors. Avoid using it for temporary staffing gaps.
Gold Rule
Tense Matters
The phrase uses が続く (continues) to emphasize persistence. For past situations, use 人手不足があった (there was a labor shortage), and for future projections, 人手不足が予想される (a labor shortage is expected).
Word Origin
The phrase combines three kanji: 人 (person), 手 (hand/labor), and 不足 (shortage), with が続く (to continue). The term emerged in the 20th century as Japan's economy expanded rapidly, leading to labor demand outstripping supply in certain sectors.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in news reports, corporate announcements, and policy discussions about workforce challenges. The phrase implies a persistent issue rather than a temporary one. In casual speech, it may be shortened to 「人手不足」.