15초 만에
- Indicates you currently hold a job or are working now.
- Uses the continuous '~te iru' form for ongoing states.
- Commonly used in introductions to describe your employment.
뜻
This phrase describes the state of currently having a job or being in the middle of doing work right now. It's the natural way to say 'I'm working' or 'I have a job at [place].'
주요 예문
3 / 6Meeting someone at a mixer
今は、カフェで働いているよ。
Right now, I'm working at a cafe.
Texting a friend who called you
ごめん、今働いてるから後でね！
Sorry, I'm working now, so later!
A formal self-introduction
私は銀行で働いています。
I am working at a bank.
문화적 배경
The concept of 'Salaryman' (office worker) is central to the use of this phrase. People often identify more with their company than their specific job title. Working overtime ({残業|ざんぎょう}) is so common that {働|はたら}いている often implies being busy late into the night. The phrase {お疲れ様|おつかれさま} is the essential counterpart to {働|はたら}いている, used to acknowledge someone's labor. Part-time work for students is called 'Arubaito' (from German 'Arbeit'). Even for part-time jobs, you use {働|はたら}いている.
Drop the 'i'
To sound like a native in casual settings, always say '{働|はたら}いてる' instead of '{働|はたら}いている'.
Particle Choice
Always use 'de' for the location of work. Using 'ni' is a common beginner mistake.
15초 만에
- Indicates you currently hold a job or are working now.
- Uses the continuous '~te iru' form for ongoing states.
- Commonly used in introductions to describe your employment.
What It Means
This phrase tells people you are currently employed. It also means you are busy with tasks right now. It combines the verb hataraku (to work) with iru (to be). This creates a continuous state of action. Think of it as 'I am in the state of working.' It is very common in daily conversation. It defines your current status in life. If you have a boss or a business, you are hataraite iru.
How To Use It
Pair it with the particle de to show location. Tokyo de hataraite iru means you work in Tokyo. You can also name your specific company. Google de hataraite iru sounds very impressive! In casual speech, people often drop the i. It becomes hataraite-ru. It sounds much more natural this way. Try saying it fast with a friend. If you want to be polite, change it to hataraite-imasu. This is better for strangers or coworkers.
When To Use It
Use it when meeting someone new at a party. They might ask what you do for a living. You can answer with your workplace or job type. Use it when you are actually busy. If a friend calls while you are typing an email, use it. 'Sorry, I'm working!' is a perfect response. It works for part-time jobs too. It is a great way to explain why you can't hang out. Everyone understands the 'work' excuse!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for machines or electronics. If your phone is working well, use ugoite iru instead. Hataraku is mostly for humans and helpful animals. Don't use it for 'studying' at school. Students should use benkyou shite iru. Even if studying feels like hard labor! Also, avoid it for 'functioning' abstract systems. It is specifically about the labor or the employment state. Don't use it to mean 'it works' as in 'that's a good plan.'
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for its intense work culture. Work is often tied deeply to your identity. People often introduce themselves by their company name first. Being 'in a state of working' is highly respected. It shows you are a contributing member of society. The phrase is neutral and very safe to use. It avoids the ego of saying 'I am a professional.' It simply states the fact of your contribution. It’s a humble way to share your life status.
Common Variations
Hataraku is the basic dictionary form. Hataraite-imasu is the polite version for daily life. Use this with your teacher or a new acquaintance. Hataraite-nai means you are not working. Maybe you are enjoying a long, well-deserved vacation? Hataraite-ita is the past tense. Use it to say 'I was working when you called.' You might also hear hataraki-man. That is a slang term for a workaholic!
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral and safe for most situations. Remember to use the '~masu' version (`hataraite imasu`) in professional settings or with people you don't know well.
Drop the 'i'
To sound like a native in casual settings, always say '{働|はたら}いてる' instead of '{働|はたら}いている'.
Particle Choice
Always use 'de' for the location of work. Using 'ni' is a common beginner mistake.
Job Titles
In Japan, it's often more polite to say where you work rather than your specific high-level job title to avoid sounding boastful.
예시
6今は、カフェで働いているよ。
Right now, I'm working at a cafe.
Using 'de' to mark the location of work.
ごめん、今働いてるから後でね！
Sorry, I'm working now, so later!
The 'i' is dropped for a natural, casual text feel.
私は銀行で働いています。
I am working at a bank.
Uses the polite '~masu' form for a professional setting.
うちの猫は全然働いていないね。
Our cat isn't working at all, huh.
A humorous way to comment on a pet's lazy lifestyle.
兄はロンドンで働いている。
My older brother is working in London.
Describing someone else's current employment state.
朝からずっと働いているから、疲れました。
I've been working since morning, so I'm tired.
Shows a continuous action leading to a result.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {働|はたら}く.
{私|わたし}はデパートで_________。
To describe your current job, the polite continuous form '{働|はたら}いています' is best.
Which sentence is correct for 'My phone is working'?
Choose the correct Japanese sentence:
Machines 'move' ({動|うご}く), they don't 'work' ({働|はたら}く).
Complete the casual dialogue.
A: {今|いま}、{遊|あそ}べる？ B: ごめん、{今|いま}_________。
In casual speech, the 'i' is dropped, making '{働|はたら}いてる' the natural choice.
Match the Japanese to the English.
Match the following:
These are the basic conjugations of the phrase.
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시각 학습 자료
Hataraku vs Ugoku
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제{私|わたし}はデパートで_________。
To describe your current job, the polite continuous form '{働|はたら}いています' is best.
Choose the correct Japanese sentence:
Machines 'move' ({動|うご}く), they don't 'work' ({働|はたら}く).
A: {今|いま}、{遊|あそ}べる？ B: ごめん、{今|いま}_________。
In casual speech, the 'i' is dropped, making '{働|はたら}いてる' the natural choice.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
These are the basic conjugations of the phrase.
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자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, use '{動|うご}いている' or '{使|つか}える'.
{働|はたら}いている is more about your status or the act of labor, while {仕事|しごと}をする is about doing specific tasks.
No, it's a very common and polite icebreaker in Japan.
You can say '{今|いま}、{働|はたら}いていません' or '{無職|むしょく}です' (I'm unemployed).
Yes, it's perfectly fine for both full-time and part-time work.
It means both! Context tells you if it's 'right now' or 'generally'.
The humble version is '{働|はたら}いております'.
Usually no. For housework, use '{家事|かじ}をする'.
Some people use 'baito-chuu' (in the middle of part-time work).
{在宅|ざいたく}で{働|はたら}いています。
관련 표현
{仕事|しごと}をする
similarTo do work
{勤|つと}める
specialized formTo be employed at
{稼|かせ}ぐ
similarTo earn money
{労働|ろうどう}する
formalTo labor
{動|うご}く
contrastTo move
