毎月働く
maitsuki hataraku
every month work
Literally: {"\u6bce\u6708":"every month","\u50cd\u304f":"work"}
In 15 Seconds
- Means having a steady, ongoing job.
- Implies regular income and reliability.
- Used for consistent full-time or part-time work.
- Focuses on the rhythm of monthly employment.
Meaning
This phrase `毎月働く` (maitsuki hataraku) means to work every month, implying a steady, ongoing job or a consistent work schedule. It's not just about the physical act of working, but the reliable rhythm of earning income or contributing regularly. It carries a vibe of stability and responsibility, like having your life together.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about job searching
最近、なかなか良い仕事が見つからなくて…でも、なんとか毎月働けるように頑張ってるよ。
Lately, I haven't been able to find a good job... but I'm doing my best to somehow be able to work every month.
Instagram caption about career goals
新しい挑戦！来月から新しい職場で毎月働くことになりました。ワクワク！ #キャリアチェンジ #新しいスタート
A new challenge! Starting next month, I'll be working every month at a new workplace. Exciting! #CareerChange #NewBeginnings
Job interview question
はい、前職では約5年間、毎月安定して働いておりました。
Yes, at my previous job, I worked stably every month for about 5 years.
Cultural Background
The 'Salaryman' culture values the 'maitsuki' rhythm. Even if the work is boring, showing up every month is a sign of 'gaman' (endurance). In the US, 'working every month' is often replaced by 'hustling' or 'grinding,' focusing on the intensity rather than just the frequency. German culture emphasizes 'Feierabend' (the end of the workday). Working every month is expected, but so is taking your 'Urlaub' (vacation). In Brazil, 'trabalho informal' is common. 'Maitsuki hataraku' might be a goal for those seeking the security of a 'carteira assinada' (signed work booklet).
Use the '~te iru' form
If you want to sound like a native speaker describing your current life, always say 'maitsuki hataraite imasu' instead of 'maitsuki hatarakimasu'.
Don't sound like a robot
If you say 'maitsuki hataraku' too many times, it sounds like you are reading a schedule. Mix it up with 'shigoto o shite iru'.
In 15 Seconds
- Means having a steady, ongoing job.
- Implies regular income and reliability.
- Used for consistent full-time or part-time work.
- Focuses on the rhythm of monthly employment.
What It Means
毎月働く (maitsuki hataraku) literally means 'every month work'. But it's more than just clocking in. It signifies having a stable job. You're employed consistently. It implies a regular paycheck. This phrase paints a picture of reliability. It’s the opposite of being unemployed or doing sporadic gigs. Think of it as your monthly hustle. It’s about maintaining a steady income stream. This phrase has a grounded, responsible feel. It’s the backbone of adulting. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.
How To Use It
Use 毎月働く when talking about your employment status. You can state it as a fact about yourself. Or ask someone if they do. It’s perfect for describing a regular job. It works for full-time or even part-time work. If you get paid monthly, this fits. It’s a straightforward statement. You can use it in conversations about careers. Or when discussing financial stability. It’s a simple, clear expression. Don't overthink it; it's pretty direct. It’s like saying 'I have a steady job.'
Real-Life Examples
- My neighbor
毎月働くat the local factory. He’s been there for years. - Do you
毎月働くor are you a freelancer? - She wants to
毎月働くto save for a house. - He explained that he needs to
毎月働くto support his family. - The government supports citizens who cannot
毎月働く.
When To Use It
Use 毎月働く when you want to convey stability. Talk about your job situation. Discuss financial planning. Mention your work routine. When someone asks about your employment. If you have a contract job. Or a regular salaried position. It’s for situations needing clarity. You want to show you're consistently employed. It’s a good phrase for job interviews. Or when discussing life goals. It emphasizes regularity. It's the sound of steady income.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid 毎月働く for temporary jobs. Or for freelance work with irregular pay. It doesn't fit short-term contracts. Or one-off projects. Don't use it if you're between jobs. It's not for seasonal work either. It implies a continuous monthly commitment. If you only work a few days a month, it might not fit. It's also not for unpaid volunteer work. Unless it's a structured, monthly commitment. Think 'steady paycheck,' not 'occasional task.' It’s not for when you're just 'busy.'
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 毎月働く with just 'working monthly.' This misses the nuance of *steady* employment. Another error is using it for irregular income. Or for jobs that don't pay monthly. Forgetting the 毎月 part is also an issue. Just saying 働く (hataraku) is too general. It just means 'to work.' It doesn't imply regularity.
- ✗ I
働くevery day. → ✓ I毎月働く. - ✗ I
毎月do freelance work. → ✓ I毎月働く(if it's consistent income). - ✗ I
働くthis month. → ✓ I毎月働く(implies ongoing).
Similar Expressions
定職に就く(Teishoku ni tsuku): To get a steady job. This is more about the *act* of getting one.仕事がある(Shigoto ga aru): To have work/a job. More general, less emphasis on monthly regularity.生計を立てる(Seikei o tateru): To make a living. Focuses on survival through work.食いっぱぐれない(Kui pagurenai): To not starve/make ends meet. Very informal, focuses on avoiding poverty.
Common Variations
毎月、仕事があります(Maitsuki, shigoto ga arimasu): I have work every month. Slightly softer, less direct than毎月働く.毎月給料をもらっています(Maitsuki kyuuryou o moratte imasu): I receive a salary every month. Focuses on the payment aspect.毎月ちゃんと働いています(Maitsuki chanto hataraite imasu): I work properly every month. Adds emphasis on diligence.
Memory Trick
Imagine a Maiden (a young girl) who tsukies (ties) her shoelaces every month to go to her work. She’s super reliable! Mai-tsuki Hataraku: The reliable maiden who always works. It sounds a bit silly, but it sticks!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 毎月働く only for full-time jobs?
A. Not necessarily! It covers consistent part-time work too. The key is the monthly regularity. It implies a stable income source.
Q. Can I use it for freelancing?
A. Yes, if your freelance income is regular each month. If it’s sporadic, it might not fit. It’s about the consistent *habit* of working for pay.
Q. Does it mean I work *every single day* of the month?
A. No, not usually. It means you have a job that recurs monthly. Like a salary or a regular contract. It doesn't mean you work 30 days straight!
Usage Notes
The phrase `毎月働く` is neutral in formality and widely understood. It emphasizes the regularity and consistency of employment on a monthly basis. Avoid using it for sporadic or irregular work; stick to contexts where a steady, recurring income is implied.
Use the '~te iru' form
If you want to sound like a native speaker describing your current life, always say 'maitsuki hataraite imasu' instead of 'maitsuki hatarakimasu'.
Don't sound like a robot
If you say 'maitsuki hataraku' too many times, it sounds like you are reading a schedule. Mix it up with 'shigoto o shite iru'.
The 'Shakaijin' vibe
Using this phrase correctly shows you understand the Japanese value of being a 'social person' who contributes regularly.
Examples
12最近、なかなか良い仕事が見つからなくて…でも、なんとか毎月働けるように頑張ってるよ。
Lately, I haven't been able to find a good job... but I'm doing my best to somehow be able to work every month.
Here, `毎月働けるように` (maitsuki hatarakeru you ni) expresses the desire for stable, ongoing employment.
新しい挑戦！来月から新しい職場で毎月働くことになりました。ワクワク！ #キャリアチェンジ #新しいスタート
A new challenge! Starting next month, I'll be working every month at a new workplace. Exciting! #CareerChange #NewBeginnings
This uses `毎月働く` to announce a stable, ongoing job at a new company.
はい、前職では約5年間、毎月安定して働いておりました。
Yes, at my previous job, I worked stably every month for about 5 years.
This is a professional way to state consistent employment history, highlighting reliability.
毎月ちゃんと働いてくれるから、安心して生活できるよ、ありがとう。
Because you work properly every month, I can live with peace of mind. Thank you.
Emphasizes the security and reliability derived from the partner's consistent work.
フリーランスだけど、毎月働いてるから、なんとか生活できてる。
I'm a freelancer, but since I work every month, I can somehow manage to live.
Shows that even with freelance status, the regularity of monthly work is key to survival.
彼は昔から変わらず、毎月働いては、毎月飲み歩いてるんだよね。
He's unchanged from old times; he works every month and goes out drinking every month.
A lighthearted comment highlighting a friend's consistent (and perhaps predictable) lifestyle.
✗ 毎月プロジェクトが終わるたびに働く。
✗ Work every month after each project finishes.
This is incorrect because 'after each project finishes' implies irregularity, contradicting the steady nature of `毎月働く`.
✗ 毎月一度だけ、大きなイベントで働く。
✗ Work once a month at a big event.
This describes a single, albeit monthly, event, not a continuous state of employment. Better phrasing needed.
定年退職したら、毎月働くことはなくなるんだなとしみじみ思う。
I'm deeply reflecting that once I retire, I won't be working every month anymore.
Contrasts the future state of not working with the current state of `毎月働く`.
私の仕事は、毎月決まった時間に、決まった作業をすることです。
My job is to do specific tasks at set times every month.
Clarifies the routine nature of the work, aligning with the 'steady' aspect of `毎月働く`.
正社員は毎月働きますが、派遣社員は契約によりますね。
Full-time employees work every month, but it depends on the contract for contract employees.
Highlights the typical expectation of monthly work for permanent employees.
副業で毎月働いて、収入を増やしたいと考えています。
I'm thinking of working every month with a side job to increase my income.
Expresses the intention to establish a regular, ongoing side income stream.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to work'.
{私|わたし}は{去年|きょねん}から{毎月|まいつき}_______。
The '~te imasu' form is used to show an ongoing habit or state starting from the past.
Which sentence sounds most natural for a job interview?
Select the best option:
This expresses a polite desire to have steady employment.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are explaining to your landlord that you can pay rent.
This assures the landlord of your steady income.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{私|わたし}は{去年|きょねん}から{毎月|まいつき}_______。
The '~te imasu' form is used to show an ongoing habit or state starting from the past.
Select the best option:
This expresses a polite desire to have steady employment.
Situation: You are explaining to your landlord that you can pay rent.
This assures the landlord of your steady income.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! It's actually a great way for freelancers to show they have a steady stream of projects.
'Mainichi' means every day, 'Maitsuki' means every month. Use 'maitsuki' to talk about your general employment status.
Not necessarily. It just means you work consistently every month, whether it's 10 hours or 200.
You would say '{毎月|まいつき}{働|はたら}きたくないです' (Maitsuki hatarakitaku nai desu).
Yes, often by characters complaining about their boring adult lives or by hard-working protagonists.
Related Phrases
{毎日|まいにち}{働|はたら}く
similarTo work every day.
{定期的|ていきてき}に{働|はたら}く
synonymTo work regularly.
{共働|ともだら}き
builds onDual-income household.
{働|はたら}き{蜂|ばち}
specialized formWorkaholic (literally 'worker bee').
