In 15 Seconds
- Describes someone or something that is constantly working or operational.
- Used for hardworking people, busy colleagues, or reliable machinery.
- Commonly used in the continuous form 'itsumo hataraite-iru' for habits.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is constantly on the grind or a machine that never stops running. It's the perfect way to talk about a busy bee friend or a reliable piece of equipment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Praising a diligent colleague
田中さんは、いつも働いていますね。
Mr. Tanaka, you are always working, aren't you?
Texting a busy friend
また残業？いつも働いてるね！
Overtime again? You're always working!
Describing a reliable machine
この古いルーターは、いつも働いている。
This old router is always working.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the concept of 'hatarakimono' (a hard worker) is deeply ingrained in social identity. Historically, agricultural society required constant labor, which transitioned into the modern corporate 'salaryman' culture. While 'karoshi' (death from overwork) is a serious issue, being described as someone who 'always works' is still frequently intended as a mark of reliability and strength.
The 'Ing' Secret
While `いつも働く` is the base form, you'll almost always use `いつも働いている` in real life. It emphasizes the ongoing state of being a hard worker.
Watch the Tone
In Japan, calling someone a workaholic can be a double-edged sword. Make sure your tone is admiring, not pitying, unless you're very close.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes someone or something that is constantly working or operational.
- Used for hardworking people, busy colleagues, or reliable machinery.
- Commonly used in the continuous form 'itsumo hataraite-iru' for habits.
What It Means
いつも働く is a straightforward way to say someone or something is always working. It combines いつも (always) and 働く (to work). It’s not just about a 9-to-5 job. It captures the essence of being perpetually active. Think of it as the Japanese version of 'always on the clock.'
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to describe people, animals, or even machines. Usually, you’ll hear it as いつも働いている (itsumo hataraite-iru). This 'ing' form makes it sound more natural for ongoing habits. If you’re talking to a boss, use 働いています. If you’re teasing a friend, 働いてる works great. Just drop it into a sentence where you’d normally describe a habit. It’s like adding a 'busy' tag to someone's life.
When To Use It
Use it when you see a colleague still at their desk at 8 PM. It’s great for praising a hardworking parent. You can also use it for a trusty old laptop that never quits. Use it in a meeting to highlight a team's dedication. It’s perfect for those 'wow, you never stop!' moments. Text it to a friend who is always posting about their side hustle. It shows you notice their effort.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 働く for inanimate objects like buttons or simple switches. For those, use 動く (ugoku - to move/function). If a shop is open 24/7, don't say it 'always works.' Use 年中無休 (nenju mukyu) instead. Also, be careful with the tone. Saying someone 'always works' can sometimes sound like you're calling them boring. If they look exhausted, maybe skip the 'always' and offer a coffee instead.
Cultural Background
Japan has a famous 'Ganbaru' culture, which means doing your best. Hard work is often seen as a virtue. The image of the 'Salaryman' working late is a classic trope. However, the culture is shifting. People are starting to value work-life balance more. Using いつも働く can be a high compliment or a gentle nudge to rest. It reflects a society that deeply respects diligence and consistency.
Common Variations
You’ll often see 働き者 (hatarakimono), which means 'a hard worker.' If someone works too much, use 働きすぎ (hatarakisugi). For a more formal vibe, try 勤勉 (kinben), which means 'diligent.' If you want to sound cool and modern, people sometimes use the English loanword ワークホリック (workaholic). But いつも働く remains the most grounded, everyday way to say it.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but shifts formality based on the verb ending (e.g., `hataraku` vs `hatarakimasu`). In conversation, the continuous form `hataraite-iru` is much more common than the simple present `hataraku`.
The 'Ing' Secret
While `いつも働く` is the base form, you'll almost always use `いつも働いている` in real life. It emphasizes the ongoing state of being a hard worker.
Watch the Tone
In Japan, calling someone a workaholic can be a double-edged sword. Make sure your tone is admiring, not pitying, unless you're very close.
Ants vs. Grasshoppers
The Japanese version of Aesop's fables heavily emphasizes the 'working ant.' Being told you 'always work' is often a nod to this cultural ideal of the diligent ant.
Examples
6田中さんは、いつも働いていますね。
Mr. Tanaka, you are always working, aren't you?
Using the polite form to show respect for their effort.
また残業？いつも働いてるね！
Overtime again? You're always working!
Casual 'iru' is dropped for a friendly, conversational feel.
この古いルーターは、いつも働いている。
This old router is always working.
Used here to mean the device is constantly operational.
休みの日も、私はいつも働いている気がする。
Even on my days off, I feel like I'm always working.
Expresses a sense of being overwhelmed by tasks.
うちの猫は、寝るためにいつも働いている。
My cat is always working hard... at sleeping.
Using the phrase ironically for a lazy pet.
サーバーは、二十四時間いつも働いております。
The server is working 24 hours a day.
Using humble/formal language for a business context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to tell your friend they work too much.
休みがないね。___ 働いてるね！
`いつも` means 'always,' which fits the context of having no days off.
Choose the correct verb form for a polite conversation with a teacher.
先生は、夜も ___。
`働いています` is the polite continuous form, suitable for speaking about a teacher.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Working Always'
Used with friends or family.
いつも働いてるね。
Standard polite form for acquaintances.
いつも働いています。
Humble form used in business reports.
常に働いております。
Where to use 'Itsumo Hataraku'
Office
Praising a teammate's hustle.
Home
Talking about a busy parent.
Server Room
Describing non-stop hardware.
Texting
Teasing a workaholic friend.
Practice Bank
2 exercises休みがないね。___ 働いてるね！
`いつも` means 'always,' which fits the context of having no days off.
先生は、夜も ___。
`働いています` is the polite continuous form, suitable for speaking about a teacher.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For stores, use 年中無休 (nenju mukyu) or 24時間営業 (nijuyojikan eigyo). 働く is specifically for labor or functioning.
Usually, yes! It implies diligence. However, if said with a sigh, it might mean you're worried the person is overdoing it.
働く (hataraku) is the act of laboring, while 仕事する (shigoto suru) is more like 'doing a job.' 働く feels more physical or fundamental.
No, for biological functions like a heart, use 動いている (ugoite-iru). 働く is for social or mechanical work.
You can say 働きすぎです (hatarakisugi desu). It uses the すぎ suffix to mean 'too much.'
Often! You'll hear it when a character is impressed by a protagonist's dedication, like あいつ、いつも働いてるな (That guy is always working, huh).
Yes, if the computer is processing data or running a program, 働いている works perfectly.
The opposite would be いつも遊んでいる (itsumo asonde-iru), meaning 'always playing' or 'always slacking.'
Yes, in formal writing or business, use 常に (tsune ni) instead of いつも.
Absolutely. It acknowledges that housework and childcare are significant forms of labor.
Related Phrases
働き者
A hard worker / diligent person
働きすぎ
Overworking / working too much
休まずに働く
To work without resting
一生懸命働く
To work with all one's might
