研修 and 講習: job training and a course of instruction
Compare training in work knowledge or customer service with instruction in a specific subject, without classifying it solely by participant status.
Learning work skills through 研修
研修 (けんしゅう) refers to training in knowledge or skills needed for work. The example 「新入社員の研修が三日間行われた。」 is translated as “Training for new employees lasted three days.” The training for new employees took place over three days. This sentence names its duration and participants without specifying its detailed curriculum.
The example 「接客の研修で案内の言葉を練習した。」 is translated as “We practiced phrases for guiding customers during job training.” The phrases practised during job training guide customers. Practising them does not separately report using them in service or mastering every service skill.
Instruction in a subject with 講習
講習 (こうしゅう) refers to a course of instruction in a particular subject. The example 「応急手当の講習に参加した。」 is translated as “I attended a first-aid training course.” Identify the subject taught rather than substituting the participant's occupation for the type of instruction.
The example 「機械を使う前に安全講習を受けてください。」 is translated as “Please complete the safety workshop before using the machine.” This is a request to receive the safety instruction before using the machine. Preserve that order without treating either the workshop or machine use as already completed.
Read the content and purpose of the instruction
The 研修 examples emphasize learning for work, while 講習 emphasizes instruction in a particular subject. This does not make all instruction for employees 研修 and all instruction for students 講習.
Start with what is taught and why the instruction is needed. The ranges may overlap, so an institution, location, or duration does not create an exclusive division.
What content do we identify when comparing 研修 in customer-guidance phrases with a safety 講習 before machine use?
Show the answer and why
The first reports practising phrases needed for customer guidance. The second requests safety instruction before machine use. Compare training for work with instruction in a particular subject rather than dividing the words by participant status alone.