Learning how to express the verb “work” in Japanese is essential for effective communication, whether you’re taking a trip to Japan, connecting with Japanese colleagues, or immersing yourself in the language. In this guide, we’ll explore various expressions for “work” in Japanese, including both formal and informal ways, while providing helpful tips and examples along the way. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking in formal situations, such as business settings or when addressing superiors, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to say “work” in Japanese:
1. 働く (はたらく, hataraku)
The most straightforward and widely used term for “work” in Japanese is “働く” (はたらく, hataraku). It is a neutral and versatile verb that covers the general idea of working. You can use it in various contexts, from talking about your own work to discussing someone else’s occupation.
Example:
1. 私は毎日働いています。
(Watashi wa mainichi hataraite imasu.)
“I work every day.”2. 彼は銀行で働いています。
(Kare wa ginkou de hataratte imasu.)
“He works at a bank.”
2. 勤める (つとめる, tsutomeru)
Another formal verb to express “work” is “勤める” (つとめる, tsutomeru). This term carries a sense of having a job or working for a specific company or organization. It is commonly used to describe one’s occupation or the act of being employed.
Example:
1. 私は大学で教師として勤めています。
(Watashi wa daigaku de kyoushi toshite tsutomete imasu.)
“I work as a teacher at the university.”2. 彼女は一流企業で勤めています。
(Kanojo wa ichiryuu kigyou de tsutomete imasu.)
“She works at a top-tier company.”
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations among friends, family, or peers, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions for “work” in Japanese. Here are a couple of examples:
1. バイトする (ばいとする, baito suru)
The term “バイトする” (ばいとする, baito suru), which comes from the English word “part-time job,” is commonly used among young people to talk about work. It specifically refers to a part-time or casual job.
Example:
1. 今日はバイトが入っているから、遊べないよ。
(Kyou wa baito ga haitte iru kara, asobenai yo.)
“I can’t hang out today because I have work.”
2. 働く (はたらく, hataraku)
Yes, the same term we mentioned earlier for formal usage can also be used in informal settings. However, in casual conversations, “働く” (はたらく, hataraku) may be conjugated differently or combined with slang to convey a more relaxed tone.
Example:
1. 明日は朝から働かなきゃだめなんだよ。
(Ashita wa asa kara hatarakanakya dame nan da yo.)
“I have to work from tomorrow morning, you know.”2. 昨日はマジでバイトしんどかった。
(Kinou wa maji de baito shindokatta.)
“Yesterday, working part-time was seriously tough.”
Regional Variations
While the above expressions are used universally in Japan, it’s worth noting that there might be certain regional variations. Some local dialects may have their own unique way of saying “work.” However, for general communication purposes, the examples provided should suffice.
In Conclusion
Now that you have an overview of how to say “work” in Japanese, both formally and informally, you can confidently discuss employment and occupations with native speakers. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the situation and the level of formality required. Keep practicing and exploring different usage scenarios to enhance your Japanese language skills. Good luck!
