B1 noun محايد 3 دقيقة للقراءة

勤務時間

kinmu jikan /kimmu d͡ʑikan/
تدرّب عليها

Overview

勤務時間 (Kinmu Jikan) directly translates to 'working hours' or 'duty hours' in English. This term refers to the period during which an employee is expected to be at their workplace and engaged in their assigned tasks. It is a fundamental concept in Japanese labor law and workplace culture, defining the structure of an employee's workday and influencing various aspects of employment.

Understanding 勤務時間 involves several key elements:

1. Legal Framework: In Japan, working hours are primarily regulated by the Labor Standards Act (労働基準法 - Rōdō Kijun Hō). This law sets out basic standards for working conditions, including limits on regular working hours and provisions for overtime. The standard legal working hours are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Employers are generally required to provide at least one day off per week.

2. Types of Working Hours:

  • 定時 (Teiji): Regular working hours, typically from start to end of the workday, excluding breaks.
  • 所定労働時間 (Shotei Rōdō Jikan): Contractual working hours agreed upon between the employer and employee, which must adhere to or be better than the legal standards.
  • 残業 (Zangyō): Overtime work, which refers to work performed beyond the standard legal or contractual working hours. Overtime is strictly regulated, and employees are entitled to increased wages (割増賃金 - Warimashi Chingin) for such work.
  • フレックスタイム制 (Flex Time Sei): A flexible working hour system where employees can choose their start and end times, as long as they complete a certain total number of hours within a defined period (e.g., a month). There's usually a 'core time' when everyone must be present.
  • 裁量労働制 (Sairyō Rōdō Sei): Discretionary labor system, typically for certain professional jobs, where the actual working hours are not strictly managed, and a set amount of working hours is deemed to have been worked regardless of actual time spent.

3. Recording and Management: Employers are legally obligated to accurately record employees' working hours. This is crucial for calculating wages, especially overtime, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Methods include time cards, biometric systems, or self-reporting.

4. Breaks and Rest Periods: The Labor Standards Act also mandates specific break times depending on the length of the workday. For example, a workday exceeding 6 hours requires at least a 45-minute break, and one exceeding 8 hours requires at least a 60-minute break. These breaks are generally unpaid and do not count towards working hours.

5. Impact on Work-Life Balance: The concept of 勤務時間 is central to discussions about work-life balance (ワークライフバランス - Wāku Raifu Baransu) in Japan. Historically, long working hours have been a concern, leading to government initiatives and corporate efforts to promote healthier working styles and reduce excessive overtime. The push for '働き方改革' (Hataraki Kata Kaikaku - Work Style Reform) aims to improve working conditions and encourage more flexible and efficient working practices.

In essence, 勤務時間 is more than just a schedule; it's a regulated and culturally significant aspect of employment that governs an employee's time commitment, compensation, and overall well-being in the Japanese workplace.

أمثلة

1

勤務時間は午前9時から午後5時までです。

職場環境

Working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.

2

フレキシブルな勤務時間を導入しています。

人事制度

We have introduced flexible working hours.

3

残業で勤務時間が長くなりました。

仕事の状況

Working hours became longer due to overtime.

4

週の勤務時間は40時間と定められています。

労働基準法

Weekly working hours are set at 40 hours.

5

勤務時間中に私用は控えてください。

職場規則

Please refrain from personal matters during working hours.

تلازمات شائعة

勤務時間を守る
勤務時間を変更する
勤務時間が長い
勤務時間が短い

يُخلط عادةً مع

勤務時間 vs 労働時間

Both mean 'working hours,' but 勤務時間 (kinmu jikan) often refers to the scheduled or official working hours, while 労働時間 (roudou jikan) is a more general term for the actual time spent working, including overtime. 労働時間 is also frequently used in legal and labor contexts.

أنماط نحوية

勤務時間内 (kinmu jikan nai): within working hours 勤務時間外 (kinmu jikan gai): outside working hours 勤務時間を守る (kinmu jikan o mamoru): to adhere to working hours

كيفية الاستخدام

When using '勤務時間', it typically refers to the designated or official working hours of an employee. For instance, you might ask, 'あなたの勤務時間は何時から何時までですか？' (Anata no kinmu jikan wa nan-ji kara nan-ji made desu ka?) meaning 'What are your working hours?' or state, '私の勤務時間は午前9時から午後5時です' (Watashi no kinmu jikan wa gozen ku-ji kara gogo go-ji desu) meaning 'My working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.' It can also be used in a more general sense to discuss the topic of working hours, such as '勤務時間の短縮が求められています' (Kinmu jikan no tansyuku ga motomerarete imasu), meaning 'A reduction in working hours is being sought.' When referring to actual time spent working, including overtime, '労働時間' (rōdō jikan) is often a more precise term, as '勤務時間' tends to imply the scheduled period. However, in casual conversation, '勤務時間' might encompass the broader concept of time spent at work.

أخطاء شائعة

One common mistake is confusing 勤務時間 (kinmu jikan - working hours) with 営業時間 (eigyou jikan - business hours/opening hours of a store). While related, 勤務時間 specifically refers to the time an individual is employed and working, whereas 営業時間 refers to the period a business is open to the public. Another mistake can be mispronouncing the kanji. Ensure to pronounce 勤 as 'kin' and not 'tsutomu' (which is another reading but not in this compound). Also, confusing it with 残業時間 (zangyou jikan - overtime hours) is possible; 勤務時間 is the standard work time, and 残業時間 is the time worked beyond that. Additionally, sometimes people might use 労働時間 (roudou jikan - labor hours) interchangeably, which is generally acceptable as it also means working hours, but 勤務時間 often carries a slightly more formal and company-specific nuance.

نصائح

💡

Understanding '勤務時間' (Kinmu Jikan): Working Hours in Japan

In Japan, '勤務時間' (kinmu jikan) refers to working hours. This concept is crucial in Japanese employment, as it directly impacts employee welfare, productivity, and legal compliance. Understanding its nuances is essential for both employees and employers operating within the Japanese labor market. It typically encompasses the time an employee is expected to be at their workplace and performing their duties, excluding breaks. However, the interpretation and regulation of working hours can vary significantly depending on the industry, company culture, and employment contract.

💡

Common Misconceptions and Challenges with '勤務時間'

A common misconception about '勤務時間' is that it solely refers to the 'scheduled' working hours. In reality, it often includes a significant amount of overtime, known as '残業' (zangyo), which is a pervasive issue in many Japanese workplaces. This can lead to long working hours, sometimes without proper compensation, and contribute to 'karoshi' (death from overwork). Another challenge is the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes 'work' during non-scheduled hours, especially with the increasing prevalence of remote work and 'service zangyo' (unpaid overtime).

💡

Strategies for Managing and Improving '勤務時間'

To effectively manage and improve '勤務時間', companies can implement several strategies. Clear policies on scheduled hours, overtime procedures, and break times are fundamental. Promoting work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements, reduced overtime, and encouraging employees to take their paid leave, can significantly enhance employee well-being and productivity. Additionally, leveraging technology for time tracking and workload management can provide transparency and ensure compliance with labor laws. Open communication between management and employees about workload and expectations is also crucial for fostering a healthier work environment.

أصل الكلمة

Sino-Japanese word, a compound of 勤務 (kinmu, “service, duty”) and 時間 (jikan, “time”).

السياق الثقافي

In Japan, '勤務時間' (kinmu jikan) or working hours are a deeply ingrained aspect of the corporate culture, often extending beyond the standard 9-to-5. The concept of 'service overtime' (sabisu zangyō), where employees work unpaid extra hours out of dedication, has historically been prevalent, though efforts are being made to curb this practice. Long working hours are often seen as a sign of commitment and loyalty to the company, and leaving on time can sometimes be viewed negatively, especially if superiors are still working. This cultural norm has contributed to societal issues such as 'karōshi' (death from overwork). Recent labor reforms aim to improve work-life balance and reduce excessive working hours, but the underlying cultural expectations can be slow to change. The distinction between 'official working hours' and the reality of time spent at the office is a significant point of discussion and reform in contemporary Japanese society.

نصيحة للحفظ

Visualize a clock with hands diligently moving, representing the flow of 'working hours' (勤務時間). Imagine a dedicated Japanese worker focused on their tasks during these hours. Break down the kanji: 勤 (kin) for 'diligence' or 'service,' and 時間 (jikan) for 'time.' So, it literally translates to 'diligent time' or 'service time.'

الأسئلة الشائعة

4 أسئلة

The Japanese word for 'working hours' is 勤務時間 (kinmu jikan). This term is widely used in various contexts, from employment contracts and company policies to daily conversations about work schedules. It refers to the period during which an employee is expected to perform their duties and responsibilities for their employer, typically outlining the start and end times of the workday.

勤務時間 is pronounced 'kin-mu ji-kan'. 'Kinmu' (勤務) means 'service' or 'duty', and 'jikan' (時間) means 'time' or 'hours'. When combined, it directly translates to 'duty time' or 'working hours'. The pronunciation is straightforward, with each syllable clearly articulated, making it relatively easy for learners of Japanese to master.

Common phrases using 勤務時間 include '勤務時間外' (kinmu jikan-gai) which means 'outside working hours', '勤務時間内' (kinmu jikan-nai) meaning 'within working hours', and '標準勤務時間' (hyōjun kinmu jikan) for 'standard working hours'. These phrases are essential for discussing work-related schedules, overtime, and work-life balance in a Japanese professional setting. Understanding them can greatly enhance communication.

In Japan, 勤務時間 often carries significant cultural weight, reflecting the country's strong work ethic and dedication to professional responsibilities. While there's a growing awareness of work-life balance, traditional views often emphasize long working hours and commitment. Discussions around 勤務時間 can sometimes touch upon concepts like overtime, unpaid work, and the importance of punctuality and presence in the workplace.

اختبر نفسك

fill blank

今日の____は何時から何時までですか？ (What are today's working hours?)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
fill blank

私の____は午前9時から午後5時までです。 (My working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
fill blank

____を調整できますか？ (Can I adjust my working hours?)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

النتيجة: /3

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