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A2 verb 6분 분량

働く

hataraku
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 働く 30초 만에
설명 働く in your Level:
Learners at the A1 level will encounter 働く in very basic sentences, primarily focusing on the concept of 'having a job' or 'doing work' in a general sense. They will recognize it as a key verb related to daily life and employment.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the A2 level, learners can use 働く to describe their own or others' jobs, talk about work schedules, and understand simple sentences about employment. They can differentiate between working and not working and understand its use for simple machines.
B1 learners can discuss their work experiences, career aspirations, and the challenges of employment using 働く. They can also understand more nuanced uses, such as the machine functioning aspect, and use it in more complex sentence structures.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
B2 learners can engage in detailed discussions about the labor market, economic impacts of work, and different types of employment using 働く. They can also comprehend and produce sophisticated sentences involving its various applications and idiomatic uses.
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C1 learners can analyze the socio-economic implications of work and employment, using 働く in formal contexts and academic discussions. They can also understand subtle connotations and figurative uses of the word.
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C2 learners have a near-native command of 働く, using it with precision in all contexts, including highly specialized or literary language. They can understand and produce complex arguments related to labor, productivity, and the nature of work.
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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

働く 30초 만에

  • 働く (hataraku) means 'to work' or 'to be employed'.
  • It's a fundamental verb for daily life and employment discussions.
  • Used for both people working and machines functioning.
  • Commonly used in everyday conversations about jobs and daily routines.
Core Meaning
The most common meaning of 働く (hataraku) is 'to work' or 'to be employed'. This refers to the act of performing labor or services, usually in exchange for wages or salary. It's the go-to verb when talking about having a job or being part of the workforce.
Beyond Employment
Interestingly, 働く also extends to the functioning of inanimate objects, especially machines. When a machine is 'working' correctly or is in operation, you can use 働く. For example, 'The computer is working' would use this verb.
Contextual Usage
You'll hear 働く constantly in discussions about careers, daily routines, and economic activities. Whether someone is asking about your job, explaining their own work schedule, or talking about a company's performance, 働く is central to the conversation. It's also used in more abstract senses, like 'the brain is working' or 'the plan is working out.' It signifies effort, activity, and purpose.

私は毎日、朝9時から夕方5時まで働きます。

I work from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.

このコンピューターはまだ働きますか？

Does this computer still work?
Present Tense
The plain form 働く (hataraku) is used for present habitual actions or general statements. The polite form is 働きます (hatarakimasu).
Past Tense
The past tense is 働いた (hataraita) in plain form and 働きました (hatarakimashita) in polite form, used for completed actions.
Continuous Form
The continuous form 働いている (hataraite iru) and its polite version 働いています (hataraite imasu) indicate that someone is currently working or is employed.
Potential Form
The potential form is 働ける (hatakeru) / 働けます (hatakemasu), meaning 'can work'.
Conditional Forms
The conditional forms are 働けば (hatarakeba) ('if one works') and 働いたら (hatara itara) ('if/when one has worked').

田中さんは来週から新しい会社で働きます。

Mr. Tanaka will start working at a new company next week.

彼は昨日、遅くまで働いた。

He worked until late yesterday.

今、多くの人がリモートで働いています。

Many people are working remotely now.
Job Interviews
During job interviews, both the interviewer and the candidate will frequently use 働く. Questions like 「どこで働いていますか？」(Doko de hataraite imasu ka? - Where do you work?) or statements like 「この会社で働きたいです。」(Kono kaisha de hatarakitai desu. - I want to work at this company.) are common.
Casual Conversations
In everyday chats with friends or family, discussing work is a frequent topic. You might hear 「今日はたくさん働いたね。」(Kyō wa takusan hataraita ne. - You worked a lot today, didn't you?) or 「週末は働かないで休みたい。」(Shūmatsu wa hatarakanai de yasumitai. - I want to rest without working on the weekend.)
News and Media
News reports often discuss employment rates, company performance, and labor issues using 働く. For instance, 「失業率が改善し、多くの人が再び働き始めた。」(Shitsuryōritsu ga kaizen shi, ōku no hito ga futatabi hatarakihajimeta. - The unemployment rate improved, and many people started working again.)
Technical Discussions
When talking about the functionality of devices or systems, 働く is essential. For example, a technician might say, 「この機械は正常に働いています。」(Kono kikai wa seijō ni hataraite imasu. - This machine is working normally.)

「お仕事は何をされていますか？」と聞かれ、私は「IT企業で働いています。」と答えた。

When asked 'What is your job?', I replied, 'I work at an IT company.'

この新しいアプリは、ユーザーの体験を向上させるために働きます。

This new app works to improve the user experience.
Confusing with Similar Verbs
Learners might confuse 働く with verbs like する (suru - to do) or やる (yaru - to do/give). While する can sometimes be used with nouns related to work (e.g., 仕事をする - shigoto o suru - to do work), 働く is the specific verb for 'to work' and is more natural when talking about employment.
Overusing the Machine Context
While 働く can mean 'to function' for machines, it's not always the best choice. For simple actions, other verbs might be more appropriate. However, when referring to a machine's operational capacity or its intended function, 働く is suitable.
Incorrect Verb Conjugation
Like any verb, 働く needs to be conjugated correctly. Mistakes in past tense (e.g., using 働きますた instead of 働きました) or continuous form (e.g., using 働きますている instead of 働いています) are common for beginners.
Pronunciation Errors
As mentioned in the pronunciation section, incorrect stress or mispronouncing the 'r' sound can make the word difficult for native speakers to understand.

Incorrect: 私は大学で勉強をします。

Incorrect: I do studying at university.

Correct: 私は大学で勉強をしています。

Correct: I am studying at university.

Incorrect: この車はまだ動きます。

Incorrect: This car still moves.

Correct: この車はまだ働きます。

Correct: This car still works (functions properly).
勤める (tsutomeru)
Meaning: To be employed by, to work for (a specific company or organization). This verb emphasizes the aspect of being employed by a particular entity.
Usage: Often used with the particle に (ni) to indicate the place of employment. For example, 「A社に勤めています。」(A-sha ni tsutomete imasu. - I work for Company A.) While 働く is more general, 勤める implies a more stable, long-term employment relationship.
従事する (jūji suru)
Meaning: To be engaged in, to be occupied with (a specific profession or activity). This is a more formal term often used in official documents or when referring to specialized work.
Usage: 「彼は長年、農業に従事している。」(Kare wa naga nen, nōgyō ni jūji shite iru. - He has been engaged in agriculture for many years.) It implies dedication to a particular field of work.
仕事をする (shigoto o suru)
Meaning: To do work, to perform a job. This is a very common and versatile phrase.
Usage: 「今日はどんな仕事をしましたか？」(Kyō wa donna shigoto o shimashita ka? - What kind of work did you do today?) While 働く is a single verb, 仕事をする is a verb-object combination. It's often used when the specific nature of the work is important.
稼ぐ (kasegu)
Meaning: To earn money, to make a living. This verb focuses on the financial outcome of working.
Usage: 「一生懸命働いてお金を稼ぐ。」(Isshōkenmei hataraite okane o kasegu. - To work hard and earn money.) It's often used in conjunction with 働く.
機能する (kinō suru)
Meaning: To function, to operate (specifically for machines, systems, or abstract concepts). This is a more direct alternative to 働く when referring to machines.
Usage: 「このシステムはまだ正常に機能しています。」(Kono shisutemu wa mada seijō ni kinō shite imasu. - This system is still functioning normally.) While 働く can be used, 機能する is more precise for mechanical or systemic operation.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The character 働 itself is a kokuji (国字), meaning it's a Japanese-created kanji. It's formed by combining the radical for 'person' (亻) with the character for 'move' (動). This composition visually suggests a person in motion, or a person who is active and doing something, which aligns with the meaning of 'to work'.

발음 가이드

UK /haˈtaraku/
US /hɑˈtɑrɑku/
Second syllable (た / ta)
라임이 맞는 단어
働く (hataraku) 遊ぶ (asobu) - different verb, but similar ending sound 読む (yomu) - different verb, but similar ending sound 書く (kaku) 聞く (kiku) 行く (iku) 動く (ugoku) 泣く (naku)
자주 하는 실수
  • Incorrect stress placement, often stressing the first syllable (は / ha).
  • Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly, making it sound like an English 'l' or a hard 'r'.
  • Omitting the final 'u' sound in 'ku' too much, making it sound clipped.

난이도

독해 2/5

At the A2 CEFR level, reading simple texts or signs involving 働く is achievable. Learners can understand basic sentences describing employment or machine function. Comprehending more complex texts requires further vocabulary and grammar acquisition.

쓰기 2/5

Learners at this level can write simple sentences using 働く to describe personal work situations or the functioning of basic objects. Constructing more elaborate or nuanced sentences may be challenging.

말하기 2/5

Simple conversations about one's job or asking about others' employment are possible. Using 働く in basic exchanges is feasible, but fluency in varied contexts requires practice.

듣기 2/5

Understanding 働く in slow, clear speech is manageable. Differentiating it from similar verbs or understanding it in rapid, natural conversation may require more exposure.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

仕事 (shigoto) - job, work 会社 (kaisha) - company 人 (hito) - person 何 (nani) - what どこ (doko) - where

다음에 배울 것

勤める (tsutomeru) - to be employed by 稼ぐ (kasegu) - to earn money 職業 (shokugyō) - occupation 職場 (shokuba) - workplace 労働 (rōdō) - labor

고급

従事する (jūji suru) - to be engaged in 操業する (sōgyō suru) - to operate (a factory/business) 機能する (kinō suru) - to function 共働き (tomobataraki) - dual-income household 働き方改革 (hatarakikata kaikaku) - work style reform

알아야 할 문법

Verb conjugation (masu-form, te-form, plain form).

働く (hataraku) -> 働きます (hatarakimasu) -> 働いています (hataraite imasu) -> 働いた (hataraita)

Particles used with verbs of action (e.g., で for place, に for direction/purpose).

会社で働く (kaisha de hataraku - to work at a company), 社会のために働く (shakai no tame ni hataraku - to work for society)

Potential form of verbs.

働く (hataraku) -> 働ける (hatakeru) - can work

Conditional forms (e.g., ～ば, ～たら).

働けば (hatarakeba) - if one works, 働いたら (hatara itara) - if/when one has worked

Expressing desire with ～たい (tai).

働きたい (hatarakitai) - want to work

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수준별 예문

1

私は学生です。

I am a student.

Basic statement of identity.

2

彼は医者です。

He is a doctor.

Basic statement of profession.

3

いいえ、働きません。

No, I don't work.

Negation of the verb.

4

父は働いています。

My father is working.

Present continuous for ongoing action.

5

どこで働きますか？

Where do you work?

Question about place of work.

6

私は銀行で働いています。

I work at a bank.

Specifying the place of work.

7

この機械は働いています。

This machine is working.

Machine functioning.

8

働きたいです。

I want to work.

Expressing desire.

1

私は来週から新しい会社で働きます。

I will start working at a new company next week.

Future tense of 働く.

2

彼は毎日、朝早くから働いています。

He works from early morning every day.

Describing a work routine.

3

この古いコンピューターはまだ働きますか？

Does this old computer still work?

Inquiring about functionality of an object.

4

昨日は一日中働いて、とても疲れました。

I worked all day yesterday and was very tired.

Past tense and expressing state after working.

5

彼女はパートタイムで働いています。

She works part-time.

Specifying type of employment.

6

もし働けなかったら、どうしますか？

What will you do if you can't work?

Conditional sentence with potential form.

7

この工場では多くの人が働いています。

Many people work in this factory.

Describing a workplace with multiple people.

8

私の夢は、自分のビジネスで働くことです。

My dream is to work in my own business.

Expressing ambition related to work.

1

景気の変動により、多くの企業が人員削減を余儀なくされ、人々は職を失い働けなくなりました。

Due to economic fluctuations, many companies were forced to reduce staff, and people lost their jobs and could no longer work.

Discussing economic impact on employment.

2

彼はフリーランスとして、様々なクライアントのために働いています。

He works as a freelancer for various clients.

Describing freelance work.

3

この最新の医療機器は、人間の臓器のように複雑に働きます。

This latest medical equipment works as intricately as human organs.

Comparing machine function to biological processes.

4

過労死を防ぐために、日本でも働き方改革が進められています。

To prevent death from overwork, work style reforms are being promoted in Japan as well.

Discussing societal issues related to work.

5

もしあなたがこのプロジェクトで働くことに興味があるなら、詳細をお知らせします。

If you are interested in working on this project, I will provide you with the details.

Offering an opportunity to work.

6

彼女は長年、慈善活動に身を捧げ、無償で働いています。

She has dedicated herself to charitable activities for many years, working without pay.

Volunteering and working without compensation.

7

このソフトウェアは、ユーザーの入力を分析し、最も効率的な方法で働きます。

This software analyzes user input and works in the most efficient way.

Describing software functionality.

8

現代社会では、単に働くことだけでなく、仕事のやりがいも重要視されるようになっています。

In modern society, not only working but also finding fulfillment in one's job is becoming important.

Discussing job satisfaction.

1

AI技術の急速な発展により、人間の労働者の役割が変化し、将来的には多くの仕事が自動化されて働かなくなる可能性が指摘されています。

Due to the rapid development of AI technology, the role of human workers is changing, and it is pointed out that many jobs may become automated and cease to exist in the future.

Discussing the future of work and automation.

2

彼は、自身の専門知識を活かして、国際的なプロジェクトで働く機会を得ました。

He gained an opportunity to work on international projects by utilizing his specialized knowledge.

Leveraging expertise for global work.

3

この複雑なメカニズムは、複数の部品が精密に連携して働くことで、その機能を最大限に発揮します。

This complex mechanism maximizes its function by having multiple parts work in precise coordination.

Describing complex mechanical operation.

4

労働市場のグローバル化に伴い、より多くの人々が国境を越えて働き、異文化間での協力が不可欠となっています。

With the globalization of the labor market, more people are working across borders, making cross-cultural cooperation indispensable.

Discussing global labor trends.

5

もしあなたが新しい環境で働くことに不安を感じているなら、まずは小さなステップから始めてみてはいかがでしょうか。

If you feel anxious about working in a new environment, why not start with small steps?

Offering advice for adapting to new work environments.

6

彼女は、社会貢献を最優先に考え、利益を度外視してでも、人々のために働きたいと強く願っています。

She strongly wishes to work for people, prioritizing social contribution above all else, even disregarding profit.

Expressing altruistic motivations for work.

7

この高度なアルゴリズムは、膨大なデータをリアルタイムで処理し、驚くべき速さで働きます。

This advanced algorithm processes vast amounts of data in real-time and works with astonishing speed.

Describing high-performance computational processes.

8

現代のビジネス環境では、従業員が主体的に考え、創造性を発揮して働くことが、企業の持続的な成長に不可欠とされています。

In the modern business environment, it is considered essential for corporate sustainable growth that employees think proactively and work by demonstrating creativity.

Emphasizing employee initiative and creativity.

1

テクノロジーの進化は、人間の労働のあり方を根本から変容させ、かつては想像もできなかった方法で我々が働くことを可能にしている。

The evolution of technology is fundamentally transforming the way human labor exists, enabling us to work in ways previously unimaginable.

Discussing the profound impact of technology on work.

2

彼は、自身のキャリアパスを戦略的に構築し、常に自己研鑽を怠らず、より高度な職務で働くことを目指してきた。

He has strategically built his career path, consistently pursued self-improvement, and aimed to work in more advanced roles.

Describing strategic career development.

3

このナノテクノロジー応用製品は、分子レベルで精密に設計された構造が、極めて繊細な作業を可能にするために働く。

This nanotechnology-applied product's structure, precisely designed at the molecular level, works to enable extremely delicate tasks.

Explaining advanced scientific applications.

4

グローバル化が進む現代において、多様な文化的背景を持つ人々が協働し、互いの強みを活かして働くことの重要性が増している。

In the current era of increasing globalization, the importance of people from diverse cultural backgrounds collaborating and working by leveraging each other's strengths is growing.

Highlighting the value of diversity in the workplace.

5

もしあなたが、既存の枠にとらわれず、革新的なアイデアをもって社会に貢献したいと願うのであれば、我々のチームで働くことを強くお勧めします。

If you wish to contribute to society with innovative ideas, unconstrained by existing frameworks, we strongly recommend working with our team.

Encouraging innovative contributions through work.

6

彼女は、経済的な報酬以上に、人々の生活を豊かにすることに喜びを感じ、その信念に基づいて無私に働いている。

She finds joy in enriching people's lives more than in economic rewards, and based on that belief, she works selflessly.

Emphasizing intrinsic motivation and selfless work.

7

この量子コンピューティングシステムは、従来の計算能力を遥かに凌駕し、複雑な問題を解決するために類を見ない速さで働く。

This quantum computing system far surpasses conventional computing power and works at an unparalleled speed to solve complex problems.

Describing the capabilities of cutting-edge technology.

8

現代のリーダーシップ論では、単に指示を出すのではなく、チームメンバー一人ひとりが持つ能力を最大限に引き出し、共に働く環境を醸成することが求められている。

Modern leadership theories require fostering an environment where each team member's potential is maximized and they can work together, rather than simply issuing instructions.

Discussing modern leadership approaches to work.

1

ポスト・インダストリアル社会における労働の概念は、物質的生産から知識集約型サービスへとシフトし、我々はより抽象的かつ創造的な領域で働くことを余儀なくされている。

The concept of labor in post-industrial society has shifted from material production to knowledge-intensive services, forcing us to work in more abstract and creative domains.

Analyzing the philosophical shift in labor concepts.

2

彼は、自身の専門分野における深い洞察力と卓越した実行力を駆使し、学術界と産業界の橋渡し役として、革新的な研究開発に働くことを生涯の使命としてきた。

He has made it his lifelong mission to work on innovative research and development as a bridge between academia and industry, by utilizing his deep insight and outstanding execution ability in his specialized field.

Describing a life dedicated to bridging academic and industrial work.

3

このバイオテクノロジーによって開発された人工臓器は、生体適合性に優れ、人間の身体内で自然な器官と同様に機能するように設計されており、その精密な働きは医学界に革命をもたらしている。

This bio-engineered artificial organ has excellent biocompatibility and is designed to function similarly to natural organs within the human body; its precise functioning is revolutionizing the medical field.

Examining the sophisticated functioning of advanced medical technology.

4

グローバル資本主義の深化は、労働力の流動性を高め、人々は地理的制約を超えて、多様な文化的・法的枠組みの中で働くことを強いられているが、同時に新たな機会も創出されている。

The deepening of global capitalism increases labor mobility, forcing people to work across geographical constraints within diverse cultural and legal frameworks, while simultaneously creating new opportunities.

Analyzing the complex dynamics of global labor mobility.

5

もしあなたが、既存のパラダイムに挑戦し、未踏の領域で真理を探求することを志すのであれば、我々の最先端研究機関で働くことこそが、あなたの情熱を最大限に燃焼させる場となるだろう。

If you aspire to challenge existing paradigms and seek truth in unexplored territories, then working at our cutting-edge research institution will be the place to maximally ignite your passion.

Inviting individuals to pursue groundbreaking work.

6

彼女は、単なる労働の対価としてではなく、人間性の探求と普遍的な幸福の実現という崇高な理念に突き動かされ、その使命感をもって社会のあらゆる階層で働くことを厭わない。

She is driven not merely by compensation for labor, but by the noble ideal of exploring humanity and realizing universal happiness, and with that sense of mission, she does not shy away from working in all strata of society.

Describing profound, mission-driven work.

7

この複雑系科学のモデルは、多数の相互作用する要素が非線形的に展開し、予測不可能な創発現象を生み出す様を、驚くべき精緻さで働き、科学的理解の新たな地平を切り開いている。

This complex systems science model works with astonishing precision to show how numerous interacting elements unfold non-linearly, generating unpredictable emergent phenomena, thereby opening new horizons in scientific understanding.

Explaining sophisticated scientific models.

8

現代の組織論においては、トップダウン型の意思決定プロセスから脱却し、ボトムアップの知見を統合し、全構成員が主体的に参画して働くことのできる、自己組織化された有機的なシステムを構築することが喫緊の課題とされている。

In modern organizational theory, breaking away from top-down decision-making processes, integrating bottom-up insights, and constructing a self-organizing, organic system where all members can proactively participate and work is considered an urgent task.

Discussing advanced organizational structures.

자주 쓰는 조합

一生懸命働く
会社で働く
長時間働く
新しい職場で働く
社会のために働く
機械が働く
健康のために働く
ボランティアとして働く
在宅で働く
子育てをしながら働く

자주 쓰는 구문

働いていますか？

— Are you working? / Are you employed?

「最近どう？」「うん、元気に働いていますよ。」

一生懸命働きます。

— I will work very hard.

「このプロジェクト、成功させます！一生懸命働きます！」

働きたくない。

— I don't want to work.

「あー、もう疲れた。今日はもう働きたくないな。」

働けるうちに働きたい。

— I want to work while I still can.

「年を取っても、できる限り働けるうちに働きたいと思っています。」

働かざる者食うべからず。

— He who does not work, neither shall he eat. (A proverb)

「両親がよく言う言葉ですが、働かざる者食うべからず、ですからね。」

場所を選ばず働く。

— To work anywhere, regardless of location.

「最近は、インターネットがあれば場所を選ばず働ける時代ですね。」

機械が働かない。

— The machine is not working. / The machine has stopped functioning.

「すみません、この券売機が働かないのですが。」

働き方改革

— Work style reform (a societal movement in Japan to improve working conditions).

「政府は働き方改革を推進していますが、まだまだ課題は多いです。」

働き盛り

— The prime of one's working life.

「彼はまだ働き盛りの年齢なので、もっと活躍できるはずだ。」

働ける身体

— A body that is able to work.

「健康に感謝して、働ける身体があることに喜びを感じています。」

자주 혼동되는 단어

働く vs する (suru)

While する means 'to do', and can be used with nouns like '仕事' (shigoto) to mean 'to work' (仕事をする - shigoto o suru), 働く is the dedicated verb for the act of working or being employed. Using する alone for 'to work' is generally incorrect or unnatural.

働く vs 遊ぶ (asobu)

遊ぶ means 'to play' or 'to have fun'. It's often contrasted with 働く, as they represent leisure versus labor. However, in some informal contexts, someone might say they 'worked hard' and now want to 'play' (遊ぶ).

働く vs 休む (yasumu)

休む means 'to rest' or 'to take a day off'. It's the direct opposite of 働く when referring to ceasing work for a period.

관용어 및 표현

"身を粉にして働く"

— To work oneself to the bone; to work extremely hard.

彼は家族のために身を粉にして働いた。

Common
"汗水たらして働く"

— To work hard, literally sweating and toiling.

農家の人々は、汗水たらして働いている。

Common
"骨身を惜しまず働く"

— To work tirelessly, without sparing oneself.

彼女は研究のために骨身を惜しまず働いた。

Common
"働く場所がない"

— To have no place to work; to be unemployed.

不況で、多くの若者が働く場所がないと嘆いている。

Common
"働く意欲を失う"

— To lose the will to work.

過労で、彼は働く意欲を失ってしまった。

Common
"働く細胞（はたらくさいぼう）"

— Literally 'working cells', this is the title of a popular manga and anime series that personifies cells in the human body and depicts their functions.

「働く細胞」は、体の仕組みを楽しく学べる良い教材だ。

Pop culture
"心身ともに働く"

— To work with both mind and body; to be fully engaged.

この仕事は心身ともに働く必要がある。

Neutral
"社会の一員として働く"

— To work as a member of society.

誰もが社会の一員として働く権利と義務がある。

Neutral/Formal
"人のために働く"

— To work for the benefit of others.

彼女は常に人のために働くことを喜びとしている。

Neutral
"働けど働けど"

— Though I work and work... (often implies unrewarding labor, from a famous poem).

働けど働けど、楽にならざり、じっと手を見る。（石川啄木）

Literary

혼동하기 쉬운

働く vs 勤める (tsutomeru)

Both 働く and 勤める relate to employment.

働く is a general verb meaning 'to work' or 'to be employed'. 勤める specifically means 'to be employed by' or 'to work for' a particular company or organization, often implying a more stable, long-term position. 勤める is often used with the particle に to indicate the place of employment (e.g., 会社に勤める - kaisha ni tsutomeru - to work for a company).

私はこの会社で働いています。(Watashi wa kono kaisha de hataraite imasu. - I work at this company.) vs. 私はこの会社に勤めています。(Watashi wa kono kaisha ni tsutomete imasu. - I am employed by this company.)

働く vs 稼ぐ (kasegu)

Both relate to the outcome of working.

働く is the act of performing labor. 稼ぐ focuses on the financial result of that labor, meaning 'to earn money' or 'to make a living'. You 働く (work) in order to 稼ぐ (earn money).

彼は一生懸命働いて、たくさんのお金を稼いでいる。(Kare wa isshōkenmei hataraite, takusan no okane o kaseide iru. - He works very hard and earns a lot of money.)

働く vs 機能する (kinō suru)

Both can be used to describe machines operating.

働く can mean 'to function' or 'to operate' for machines, but it's a more general term. 機能する is more specific and technical, meaning 'to function' or 'to be functional', and is often preferred for complex systems or devices. While you can say 'この機械は働きます' (This machine works), 'この機械は機能します' (This machine functions) might be more precise in a technical context.

この掃除機はよく働きます。(Kono sōjiki wa yoku hatarakimasu. - This vacuum cleaner works well.) vs. このシステムは正常に機能しています。(Kono shisutemu wa seijō ni kinō shite imasu. - This system is functioning normally.)

働く vs 仕事をする (shigoto o suru)

Both mean 'to work'.

働く is a single verb for 'to work'. 仕事をする is a verb-object phrase meaning 'to do work' or 'to perform a job'. While often interchangeable, 仕事をする can sometimes emphasize the specific task or job being done, whereas 働く is more about the general act of working or being employed.

私は毎日働きます。(Watashi wa mainichi hatarakimasu. - I work every day.) vs. 私は毎日仕事をします。(Watashi wa mainichi shigoto o shimasu. - I do work every day.)

働く vs 従事する (jūji suru)

Both refer to performing work.

働く is a general verb. 従事する is a formal verb meaning 'to be engaged in' or 'to be occupied with' a specific profession or activity, often implying a dedicated or specialized role. It's more common in written or formal spoken contexts.

彼は農作業に従事しています。(Kare wa nōsagyō ni jūji shite imasu. - He is engaged in agricultural work.)

문장 패턴

A1

Subject + は + Noun + です。

私は　会社員　です。(Watashi wa kaishain desu. - I am an office worker.)

A1

Subject + は + Place + で + 働いています。

私は　東京で　働いています。(Watashi wa Tōkyō de hataraite imasu. - I work in Tokyo.)

A2

Subject + は + Time + から + Time + まで + 働きます。

私は　朝9時から　夕方5時まで　働きます。(Watashi wa asa kugiji kara yūgata goji made hatarakimasu. - I work from 9 AM to 5 PM.)

A2

Object (machine) + は + 働きます。

この　時計は　働きます。(Kono tokei wa hatarakimasu. - This watch works.)

B1

Subject + は + Reason + で + 働けない。

病気で　働けない。(Byōki de hatarakarenai. - I can't work because I'm sick.)

B1

Subject + は + Manner + に + 働いています。

彼は　一生懸命に　働いています。(Kare wa isshōkenmei ni hataraite imasu. - He is working very hard.)

B2

Subject + は + Goal + のために + 働く。

私たちは　社会の　ために　働く。(Watashitachi wa shakai no tame ni hataraku. - We work for society.)

B2

Subject + は + Verb (plain) + こと + が + 働く。

この　システムは　データを　処理する　ことが　働きます。(Kono shisutemu wa dēta o shori suru koto ga hatarakimasu. - This system works to process data.)

어휘 가족

명사

労働 (rōdō) - labor, work
働き手 (hatarakite) - worker, breadwinner
働きがい (hatarakigai) - sense of fulfillment from work
勤め先 (tsutomesaki) - place of employment

동사

働く (hataraku) - to work
働かせる (hatarakaseru) - to make someone work, to employ
働かせる (hatarakaseru) - to make (a machine) work

관련

仕事 (shigoto) - job, work
職業 (shokugyō) - occupation, profession
雇用 (koyō) - employment
職場 (shokuba) - workplace
労働者 (rōdōsha) - laborer, worker
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

Very High

자주 하는 실수
  • Using する (suru) instead of 働く for 'to work'. → 働く (hataraku)

    While 仕事をする (shigoto o suru) is a valid phrase for 'to do work', using する alone as a verb for 'to work' is incorrect. 働く is the dedicated verb for this action.

  • Incorrect conjugation, e.g., 働きますた (hatarakimashita). → 働きました (hatarakimashita)

    The polite past tense is formed by adding ました (mashita) to the stem, not by adding た (ta) to the masu-form. The stem of 働きます is 働き (hataraki).

  • Confusing 働く (people working) with 止まる (tomaru - to stop) for machines. → 働く (hataraku) for functioning, 止まる (tomaru) for stopping.

    While 働く can mean 'to function' for machines, its primary antonym for machines is 止まる (to stop). If a machine is supposed to be working but isn't, it has stopped.

  • Using 働く when 勤める (tsutomeru) is more appropriate. → 勤める (tsutomeru) when referring to being employed by a specific company.

    働く is general 'to work'. 勤める specifically means 'to be employed by' a particular entity. For example, 'I work for ABC Company' is better as 'ABC社に勤めています' than 'ABC社で働いています', though the latter is understandable.

  • Overusing 働く for machine function when 機能する (kinō suru) might be more precise. → 機能する (kinō suru) for technical functioning.

    While 働く can be used for machines, 機能する is often more precise, especially in technical or formal contexts, meaning 'to function' or 'to operate'.

팁

Mastering Verb Endings

Pay close attention to the different conjugations of 働く: 働きます (polite present/future), 働きました (polite past), 働いています (present continuous/state of being employed), and 働いた (plain past). These endings are crucial for conveying the correct meaning and politeness level.

Stress and Flow

Remember to stress the second syllable ('ta') in 働く. Practice saying the word aloud to get comfortable with the rhythm. Incorrect stress can sometimes lead to misunderstanding.

Distinguish from Similar Verbs

Be aware of verbs like 勤める (tsutomeru) and 稼ぐ (kasegu). While related, they have distinct nuances. 勤める implies long-term employment with a specific company, while 稼ぐ focuses on earning money. Use 働く as the general term for the act of working.

The Value of Hard Work

In Japan, diligence and perseverance (ganbaru) are highly esteemed. Understanding this cultural context can help you appreciate why 働く is such a fundamental and frequently used verb in everyday life and professional settings.

Visual and Mnemonic Aids

Use the visual association of a person carrying a banner (幡) to remember the origin and meaning. The mnemonic 'hata + raku = hard work' can also be helpful. Connecting the kanji components (person + move) is another effective strategy.

Sentence Building

Actively create sentences using 働く in various contexts: describing your own job, asking about others', talking about a machine's function, or expressing future work plans. This active recall is crucial for retention.

Listen to Native Speakers

Pay attention to how native speakers use 働く in anime, dramas, news, and conversations. Notice the context, the surrounding vocabulary, and the overall tone.

Related Nouns and Concepts

When you learn 働く, also learn related terms like 仕事 (shigoto - job), 会社 (kaisha - company), 労働 (rōdō - labor), and 職場 (shokuba - workplace). This builds a richer understanding of the domain.

Use it in Conversation

The best way to solidify your understanding is to use the word. Try to incorporate 働く into your Japanese conversations, even if it's just simple sentences at first. Don't hesitate to ask for corrections!

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a person carrying a big banner (幡 - hata) that is difficult to manage, requiring a lot of effort and making them feel 'uncomfortable' or 'not at ease' (楽 - raku). This struggle to carry the banner is like 'working hard'. So, 幡 + 楽 = 働く (to work hard).

시각적 연상

Picture a person wearing a hard hat and holding a toolkit, with a large, ornate banner (幡) unfurled behind them. They are diligently working on a construction site, symbolizing the effort and labor involved in 'working'.

Word Web

Work Job Employment Labor Occupation Function Operate Earn a living

챌린지

Try to use 働く in at least five different sentences today, covering different tenses and contexts (e.g., personal work, machine function, future plans). Write them down and say them out loud.

어원

The word 働く is believed to have originated from the combination of two older words: 'hata' (幡), referring to a banner or flag, and 'raku' (楽), meaning ease or comfort. The initial meaning might have been related to the effort required to carry or display a large banner, hence, to exert oneself or work hard.

원래 의미: To exert oneself, to toil, to work hard, possibly related to carrying banners or flags (幡).

Japonic

문화적 맥락

When discussing work in Japan, be mindful of the potential for long working hours and the societal pressure to work hard. Avoid making light of someone's job or suggesting that they are not working hard, as dedication to one's profession is often a source of pride.

In English-speaking cultures, the emphasis can vary. While hard work is generally valued, there's often a stronger emphasis on work-life balance and individual career fulfillment. The concept of 'workaholism' is often viewed negatively, whereas in some Japanese contexts, it might be seen as dedication.

The manga/anime series 'Hataraku Saibō' (Working Cells) personifies human cells and their functions, making the verb 働く relatable and educational. The proverb '働かざる者食うべからず' (He who does not work, neither shall he eat) is a well-known saying that underscores the importance of labor. Japanese literature and poetry, such as the works of Ishikawa Takuboku, often touch upon the theme of arduous labor and its impact on life, using phrases like '働けど働けど' (though I work and work).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Discussing personal employment.

  • どこで働いていますか？
  • 私は～で働いています。
  • 来月から新しい職場で働きます。

Inquiring about someone's job.

  • お仕事は何をされていますか？
  • 今、働いていますか？
  • どんなお仕事をされていますか？

Talking about machine functionality.

  • この機械は働きますか？
  • まだ働いていますか？
  • 壊れて働かない。

Describing work effort or duration.

  • 一生懸命働きます。
  • 長時間働いた。
  • 働きたくない。

Expressing desire or ability to work.

  • 働きたいです。
  • 働けるうちに働きたい。
  • 健康なら働けます。

대화 시작하기

"What kind of work do you do?"

"Are you currently working?"

"What time do you usually start working?"

"Do you enjoy your job?"

"What are your plans for your career?"

일기 주제

Describe your current job or your ideal job using the verb 働く.

Think about a time you worked very hard. How did it feel? Use 働く in your description.

If a machine could talk, what would it say about its work? Imagine its 'thoughts' using 働く.

What does 'working' mean to you? Is it just about earning money, or something more?

Write about a dream you have related to your work or career, using 働く.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 働く can also be used to describe the functioning of machines, devices, or even abstract systems. For example, 'この時計はまだ働きます' (Kono tokei wa mada hatarakimasu) means 'This watch still works'. The context usually makes it clear whether it refers to people or objects.

働く is a single verb meaning 'to work' or 'to be employed'. 仕事をする is a phrase meaning 'to do work' or 'to perform a job'. While often interchangeable, 働く is more general, while 仕事をする can sometimes focus on the specific task or job being performed. For example, 'I work' is 私は働きます (Watashi wa hatarakimasu), but 'I do my job' might be 私は仕事をします (Watashi wa shigoto o shimasu).

Yes, 働く can be used for volunteering, especially when describing the act of contributing one's time and effort. You might say 'ボランティアとして働いています' (borantia toshite hataraite imasu - I am working as a volunteer). However, verbs like '活動する' (katsudō suru - to be active/engage in activities) are also common in this context.

You can say '働きたくない' (hatarakitakunai) in plain form, or '働きたくありません' (hatarakitaku arimasen) in polite form. This expresses a desire not to work.

The most direct antonym for 働く, when referring to people, is '休む' (yasumu - to rest, to take a day off). For machines, the antonym would be '止まる' (tomaru - to stop) or '壊れる' (kowareru - to break).

働く itself is a neutral verb. Its formality depends on the conjugation used. The polite form 働きます (hatarakimasu) is suitable for most situations, while the plain form 働く (hataraku) is used in informal settings or writing. More formal alternatives like 勤務する (kinmu suru) exist for professional contexts.

働く is general 'to work'. 勤める means 'to be employed by' a specific company, implying a more formal and stable employment relationship. For example, 'I work for ABC Company' is often expressed as 私はABC社に勤めています (Watashi wa ABC-sha ni tsutomete imasu), rather than just 働いています.

Generally, 働く is not used for young children playing. However, if a child is doing a chore or helping out in a way that resembles work, one might say they are 'working' in a simplified sense, or use phrases like 'お手伝いをする' (otedatsui o suru - to help with chores). For older children doing part-time jobs, 働く is appropriate.

働き方改革 (hatarakikata kaikaku) is a significant societal movement in Japan aimed at reforming work styles to improve productivity and work-life balance, addressing issues like long working hours and promoting flexible work arrangements.

You can say '海外で働きたいです' (Kaigai de hatarakitai desu).

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셀프 테스트 10 질문

/ 10 correct

Perfect score!

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