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B1 noun #7,000 most common 5 min read

共働き

tomobataraki Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 共働き in 30 Seconds

Explanation 共働き in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'Tomobataraki' means a husband and wife both have jobs. You can use it to talk about your family in a very simple way. For example: 'My mother and father are tomobataraki.' It is a combination of 'tomo' (together) and 'hataraki' (work). You usually see it with 'desu' at the end. It helps you describe a common type of family in Japan today. You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just remember that it describes a couple working.

At the A2 level, you can use 'Tomobataraki' to describe your lifestyle and the lives of people around you. You might use it with the particle 'no' to describe a couple, like 'tomobataraki no fufu' (a working couple). You can also use it to explain why you are busy: 'Because we are tomobataraki, we have no time.' It is important to distinguish this from just 'working' (hataraku). 'Tomobataraki' always refers to the situation of two people in a marriage or partnership both having jobs.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of 'Tomobataraki'. This word often appears in discussions about work-life balance and childcare. You should be able to use it in sentences like 'Tomobataraki de kaji wo buntan suru' (Sharing housework in a dual-income household). You should also recognize it in news articles about the economy. It is a noun, so you can use it as a subject or an object. It's a key word for discussing modern Japanese society and the shift away from traditional gender roles.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Tomobataraki' to engage in more detailed discussions about demographics and labor policy. You should understand related terms like 'Tomokasegi' and 'Sengyo Shufu' and be able to compare them. You might discuss the 'Tomobataraki-setai' (dual-income households) and their impact on the real estate market or the demand for convenience services. You should also be aware of the nuances between 'Tomobataraki' and the Katakana 'Double Income', choosing the right one for the context (formal vs. lifestyle-oriented).

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'Tomobataraki' in academic or professional contexts. This includes discussing the 'M-curve' of female employment and how the increase in 'Tomobataraki' households affects national tax policies (like the '1.03 million yen wall'). You can analyze the word's role in sociolinguistic trends and use it fluently in debates about gender equality in the Japanese workplace. You should be comfortable with its use in complex compound nouns and legal or economic reports.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'Tomobataraki'. You understand its historical evolution from a rarity in the post-war era to a social necessity today. You can use the term to critique social structures, discussing how 'Tomobataraki' is often a necessity rather than a choice for many families due to stagnant wages. You can navigate the most subtle nuances, including how the term is used in literature or high-level political discourse to represent the changing face of the Japanese family unit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

共働き in 30 Seconds

Refers to dual-income households where both partners work.
Commonly used in social, economic, and family contexts in Japan.
A compound of 'tomo' (together) and 'hataraki' (work).
Essential vocabulary for discussing modern Japanese lifestyle and society.

The Japanese term 共働き (ともばたらき - Tomobataraki) is a compound noun that translates literally to "working together." However, its specific socio-economic meaning refers to a household where both the husband and wife are employed and earning an income. In a historical context, Japan long adhered to a strict division of labor known as the Sengyo Shufu model, where the husband was the sole breadwinner and the wife managed the household. 共働き represents the modern shift away from this tradition, driven by economic necessity, changing social values, and the desire for professional fulfillment among women.

Etymology: The first kanji 共 (tomo) means "together," "both," or "common." The second part 働き (hataraki) is the nominalized form of the verb hataraku (to work). Together, they describe the state of both partners in a marriage contributing to the family's labor and finances.

最近の日本では、共働きの世帯が当たり前になっています。
(In recent Japan, dual-income households have become the norm.)

You will encounter this word in almost every discussion regarding Japanese demographics, labor laws, and family life. It is not merely a descriptive term but a category used in government statistics, tax discussions, and marketing. For example, real estate agents often highlight features of a house that are convenient for 共働き couples, such as proximity to daycare or automated home appliances. It is a neutral, formal, and widely accepted term.

Societal Context: The rise of 共働き has led to significant changes in Japanese society, including the "waitlist child" (taiki jido) problem in nurseries and the push for "Ikumen" (fathers who are active in childcare). Understanding this word is key to understanding modern Japanese life.

Grammatically, 共働き functions as a noun. It is most frequently used with the copula da/desu to describe a couple's status, or as a noun-modifier using the particle no. It can also be paired with the particle de to indicate the state in which a family operates.

Pattern 1: [Subject] + は + 共働き + です: Used to state that a couple or household has two incomes.
Example: 「私たちは共働きです。」 (We are a dual-income couple.)

子供が生まれてからも、共働きを続けるつもりです。
(Even after the child is born, we intend to continue being a dual-income household.)

When modifying other nouns, you use 共働きの. Common pairings include tomobataraki no fufu (dual-income couple) or tomobataraki no setai (dual-income household). This is essential for discussing statistics or specific demographics. For example, "The number of tomobataraki no setai is increasing every year."

Pattern 2: 共働き + で: Used to describe an action taken while being a dual-income household.
Example: 「共働きで家を建てました。」 (We built a house with our dual income.)

共働きだと、家事の分担が重要になります。
(When both work, the division of housework becomes important.)

You will hear 共働き in a variety of settings, ranging from casual coffee shop conversations to formal economic news broadcasts. Because it touches on the fundamental structure of the Japanese family, it is a high-frequency word in daily life.

In the Media: News reports often discuss the "Tomobataraki Generation" (共働き世代). You might hear: 「共働き世帯の増加により、保育所の不足が深刻化しています。」 (Due to the increase in dual-income households, the shortage of nurseries is becoming serious.)

「うちは共働きだから、平日はゆっくり料理する時間がないんだ。」
(Since we both work, we don't have time to cook slowly on weekdays.)

In social settings, people use 共働き to explain their lifestyle or to find common ground with others who are also balancing work and home life. It is often linked with topics like kaji (housework), ikuji (childcare), and shigoto (work). If someone asks about your family, you might say 「妻も働いているので、共働きです」 (My wife also works, so we are a dual-income couple).

While the components of 共働き seem straightforward, learners often make a few specific errors in usage and nuance.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Working Together' (Kyodo): Learners sometimes use tomobataraki to mean "working together on a project" with a colleague. This is incorrect. For collaborative work, use 共同作業 (Kyodo Sagyo) or 協力して働く (Kyoryoku shite hataraku). Tomobataraki is strictly for domestic partners.

× 友達と共働きでプロジェクトをしました。
○ 友達と協力してプロジェクトをしました。

Another mistake is using the word to describe roommates who both work. While they are technically working and living together, 共働き specifically implies a shared household economy, usually a married or long-term committed couple. If you live with a roommate and both work, you would simply say 「二人とも働いています」 (Both of us are working).

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 共働き helps you navigate different registers and contexts in Japanese.

共稼ぎ (ともかせぎ - Tomokasegi): Very similar to tomobataraki. The kanji kasegi (earning) emphasizes the financial aspect. It sounds slightly more colloquial or "blue-collar" in some contexts, but they are largely interchangeable.
ダブルインカム (Double Income): A loanword from English. It is often used in lifestyle magazines, marketing, and by younger generations. It sounds modern and focuses on the high purchasing power of the couple.
専業主婦 (せんぎょうしゅふ - Sengyo Shufu): The antonym. This refers to a full-time housewife. Comparing tomobataraki to sengyo shufu is a common way to discuss family structures in Japan.

以前は専業主婦が多かったですが、今は共働きが主流です。
(In the past, there were many full-time housewives, but now dual income is the mainstream.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'tomobataraki' was common among merchant and farming families, but it became less common for the 'salaryman' class in the mid-20th century before rising again recently.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɒmoʊbætæˈrɑːki/

US /ˌtoʊmoʊˌbɑːtəˈrɑːki/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Tomobataraki' typically has a flat (Heiban) accent where the pitch stays high after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Hataraki (Work) Aruki (Walking) Odoroki (Surprise) Hibiki (Echo) Tsuzuki (Continuation) Kagayaki (Radiance) Kirameki (Sparkle) Michibiki (Guidance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tomo' like the English name 'Tom'.
Adding a heavy stress on one syllable (Japanese syllables are equal length).
Confusing the 'r' sound with an English 'l' or 'r' (it is a tapped 'r').
Mispronouncing 'ki' as 'kee' with a very long vowel.
Breaking the word into two separate words with a pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but learners must know the 'kun-yomi' readings.

Writing 3/5

The kanji for 'tomo' and 'hataraki' are taught in early grades.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult clusters.

Listening 2/5

It is a distinct-sounding word that is easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

働く (To work) 夫婦 (Couple) 仕事 (Job) 家 (House) 一緒 (Together)

Learn Next

専業主婦 (Housewife) 世帯 (Household) 育児 (Childcare) 分担 (Division of labor) 所得 (Income)

Advanced

扶養控除 (Dependency deduction) 待機児童 (Waitlisted children) ワークライフバランス (Work-life balance) M字カーブ (M-curve) 男女共同参画 (Gender equality)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun

共働きの夫婦 (Dual-income couple)

Noun + で (State/Condition)

共働きで生活する (To live as a dual-income couple)

Noun + なので (Reason)

共働きなので忙しい (Busy because we are dual-income)

Noun + になる (Change of state)

結婚して共働きになった (Married and became dual-income)

Noun + をする (Performing an action/status)

共働きをしている (Being a dual-income household)

Examples by Level

私の両親は共働きです。

My parents are a dual-income couple.

Uses the copula 'desu' with the noun 'tomobataraki'.

田中さんは共働きですか？

Are the Tanakas a dual-income couple?

Question form using 'ka'.

はい、共働きです。

Yes, we both work.

Simple affirmative response.

共働きは大変です。

Being a dual-income couple is hard.

Using 'wa' to mark the subject.

私たちは共働きです。

We are a dual-income couple.

Plural subject 'watashitachi'.

共働きの家族は多いです。

There are many dual-income families.

Modifying 'kazoku' with 'no'.

父と母は共働きでした。

My father and mother were a dual-income couple.

Past tense 'deshita'.

将来、共働きをしたいです。

I want to be in a dual-income marriage in the future.

Using 'wo shitai' to express desire.

共働きの夫婦が増えています。

Dual-income couples are increasing.

Noun modification with 'no'.

共働きなので、家事は二人でします。

Since we both work, we do the housework together.

Using 'node' to show reason.

共働きの生活はどうですか？

How is life as a dual-income couple?

Modifying 'seikatsu' (life).

忙しいですが、共働きは楽しいです。

It's busy, but being a dual-income couple is fun.

Contrast using 'ga'.

私の家は共働きじゃありません。

My household is not a dual-income one.

Negative form 'ja arimasen'.

共働きで、お金を貯めています。

We are saving money by both working.

Using 'de' to indicate state.

共働きのメリットは何ですか？

What are the benefits of both partners working?

Asking for 'meritto' (merits).

共働きをしている友達が多いです。

I have many friends who are dual-income couples.

Using 'wo shite iru' as a relative clause.

共働きの家庭では、育児の分担が課題です。

In dual-income households, sharing childcare is a challenge.

Topic marker 'wa' applied to 'katei de'.

共働きを続けるために、保育園を探しています。

In order to continue both working, we are looking for a nursery.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

今の時代、共働きは珍しくありません。

In this day and age, dual income is not unusual.

Double negative for emphasis.

共働き世帯向けのサービスが充実しています。

Services aimed at dual-income households are becoming more comprehensive.

Using 'muke' (aimed at).

結婚しても共働きを希望する人が多いです。

Many people hope to continue working even after marriage.

Using 'temo' for 'even if'.

共働きのおかげで、生活に余裕があります。

Thanks to both of us working, we have some financial leeway in our lives.

Using 'okage de' (thanks to).

共働きだと、平日の買い物は大変です。

When both work, shopping on weekdays is difficult.

Using 'dato' for conditional state.

政府は共働きを支援する政策を進めています。

The government is promoting policies to support dual-income couples.

Formal object 'wo' with 'shien suru'.

共働き世帯の所得格差が社会問題になっています。

The income gap among dual-income households is becoming a social issue.

Complex noun phrase 'shotoku kakusa'.

共働きを前提とした家計管理が必要です。

Household financial management based on the premise of dual income is necessary.

Using 'zentei to shita' (based on the premise).

共働きであっても、女性の負担が大きいのが現状です。

Even in dual-income couples, the reality is that the burden on women is heavy.

Using 'de attemo' (even though it is).

共働きを選択する理由は、経済的なものだけではありません。

The reason for choosing dual income is not just economic.

Using 'sentaku suru' (to choose).

共働き家庭の子供たちの放課後の過ごし方が議論されています。

How children from dual-income families spend their time after school is being discussed.

Passive voice 'giron sarete iru'.

住宅ローンを組む際、共働きは大きな強みになります。

When taking out a mortgage, having a dual income is a great strength.

Using 'sai' (when/on the occasion of).

共働きの増加が、外食産業の成長を後押ししています。

The increase in dual-income households is boosting the growth of the restaurant industry.

Using 'atooshi shite iru' (supporting/boosting).

共働きを維持するためには、職場の理解が不可欠です。

To maintain a dual-income lifestyle, understanding from the workplace is essential.

Using 'fuketsu' (essential/indispensable).

共働き世帯の急増は、日本の家族観の変容を象徴しています。

The rapid increase in dual-income households symbolizes the transformation of family values in Japan.

High-level vocabulary like 'shocho' (symbolize) and 'henyo' (transformation).

共働きを阻む「壁」として、税制や社会保障制度が挙げられます。

Tax and social security systems are cited as 'walls' that hinder dual income.

Using 'habamu' (to hinder) and 'agerareru' (to be cited).

共働きが一般化したことで、家事代行サービスの需要が拡大しました。

With dual income becoming common, the demand for housekeeping services has expanded.

Using 'ippanka shita koto de' (due to becoming common).

共働きにおけるキャリア形成とワークライフバランスの両立を模索する。

To seek a balance between career development and work-life balance in a dual-income context.

Using 'mosaku suru' (to grope for/seek).

共働き世帯へのアンケート結果から、深刻な時間貧困が浮き彫りになった。

The survey results of dual-income households highlighted serious 'time poverty'.

Using 'ukibori ni natta' (became highlighted/vivid).

共働きを促進する一方で、保育の質の確保が喫緊の課題となっている。

While promoting dual income, ensuring the quality of childcare has become an urgent issue.

Using 'ippo de' (on the other hand) and 'kikkin' (urgent).

共働きの実態に即した、柔軟な働き方の導入が企業に求められている。

Companies are required to introduce flexible working styles that align with the reality of dual-income households.

Using 'jittai ni soku shita' (in line with reality).

少子化対策の一環として、共働きをしやすい環境整備が急がれている。

As part of the countermeasures against the declining birthrate, the preparation of an environment that facilitates dual income is being rushed.

Using 'ikkan to shite' (as a part of).

共働きというライフスタイルが、都市構造や消費行動に与える影響は多岐にわたる。

The impact of the dual-income lifestyle on urban structure and consumer behavior is wide-ranging.

Academic structure with 'taki ni wataru' (wide-ranging).

伝統的な性別役割分業を打破し、共働きを基盤とした新たな社会契約が待望されている。

Breaking down traditional gender roles, a new social contract based on dual income is long-awaited.

Literary terms like 'daho' (breakdown) and 'taibo sarete iru' (long-awaited).

共働き世帯内での情緒的サポートの在り方が、現代のメンタルヘルスにおいて看過できない要素となっている。

The nature of emotional support within dual-income households has become a non-negligible factor in modern mental health.

Using 'kanko dekinai' (cannot be overlooked).

共働きのパラドックスとして、世帯収入は増えても、生活の質が必ずしも向上しないケースが散見される。

As a paradox of dual income, there are scattered cases where quality of life does not necessarily improve despite increased household income.

Using 'paradokkusu' and 'sanken sareru' (seen here and there).

共働きを巡る言説は、しばしば個人の選択という枠組みを超え、国家の労働力確保の文脈で語られる。

Discourse surrounding dual income often transcends the framework of individual choice and is spoken of in the context of securing a national labor force.

Using 'gensetsu' (discourse) and 'wakugumi' (framework).

共働き家庭の増加が、地域コミュニティの希薄化を招いているという指摘も存在する。

There are also points raised that the increase in dual-income families is leading to the weakening of local communities.

Using 'kihakuka wo manaku' (leading to weakening/dilution).

共働きを前提とした社会制度への移行は、未だ道半ばであり、多くの構造的矛盾を孕んでいる。

The transition to a social system based on dual income is still halfway through and harbors many structural contradictions.

Using 'michi-nakaba' (halfway) and 'haramu' (to harbor/contain).

共働きの実態を多角的に分析することで、現代日本が抱える課題の本質が見えてくる。

By analyzing the reality of dual income from multiple angles, the essence of the challenges facing modern Japan becomes clear.

Using 'takakuteki ni' (multi-faceted) and 'honshitsu' (essence).

Synonyms

共稼ぎダブルインカム二馬力共働き世帯夫婦共働きフルタイム共働き DINKs 兼業

Antonyms

専業主婦専業主夫片働き扶養内

Common Collocations

共働き世帯

共働き夫婦

共働きを続ける

共働きになる

共働きで育てる

共働きを支援する

共働きのメリット

共働き家庭

共働きで家を建てる

共働きの悩み

Common Phrases

共働きが当たり前

— Dual income is the norm/taken for granted. It reflects the modern standard.

今の若い世代は共働きが当たり前だ。

共働きを辞める

— To stop being a dual-income household. Usually implies one person quitting.

子供のために共働きを辞めるか悩む。

共働きを希望する

— To wish for or prefer a dual-income lifestyle.

共働きを希望する女性が増えている。

共働きのおかげ

— Thanks to both partners working. Used to explain financial success.

共働きのおかげで旅行に行ける。

共働きのせい

— Due to both partners working (negative). Used to explain lack of time.

共働きのせいで子供との時間が少ない。

共働きを前提に

— Based on the assumption that both will work.

共働きを前提にマンションを購入した。

共働きで行く

— To proceed/manage as a dual-income couple.

しばらくは共働きで行こうと思う。

共働きを維持する

— To maintain the status of both partners working.

キャリアを捨てず共働きを維持する。

共働きが難しい

— It is difficult for both partners to work. Often due to lack of childcare.

残業が多いと共働きは難しい。

共働きを応援する

— To support dual-income couples.

地域で共働きを応援する取り組み。

Often Confused With

共働き vs 共同作業

This means 'collaborative work' on a task, not 'dual income'.

共働き vs 共演

This means 'co-starring' in a movie or play.

共働き vs 同伴

This means 'accompanying' someone, often used in nightlife contexts.

Idioms & Expressions

"二馬力で稼ぐ"

— To earn with two people's power. It emphasizes the financial strength of a dual-income couple.

二馬力で稼いで、早めにローンを完済する。

Colloquial

"共働きは三文の徳"

— A play on 'Early bird gets the worm'. Suggests that dual income brings small but steady benefits.

共働きは三文の徳と言うし、頑張ろう。

Informal

"財布が二つある"

— To have two wallets. Refers to the financial independence or the double income of a couple.

共働きは財布が二つあるから心強い。

Casual

"片輪走行"

— Driving on one wheel. Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a household where only one person works (the opposite of tomobataraki).

片輪走行では今の生活は維持できない。

Metaphorical

"二人三脚"

— Three-legged race. Used to describe a couple working together closely in life, often in the context of dual income.

共働きで、二人三脚の生活を送る。

General

"家計を支え合う"

— To support the household budget together. A common way to describe the purpose of dual income.

共働きで家計を支え合っている。

Neutral

"働き蜂夫婦"

— Worker bee couple. A slightly self-deprecating or critical term for a couple that does nothing but work.

共働きが行き過ぎて働き蜂夫婦になっている。

Sarcastic

"猫の手も借りたい"

— Wanting to borrow even a cat's paw. Often said by dual-income parents who are extremely busy.

共働きで育児中なので、猫の手も借りたい忙しさだ。

Idiomatic

"阿吽の呼吸"

— Perfect synchronization. Used for dual-income couples who have mastered the division of chores.

共働き夫婦には阿吽の呼吸が必要だ。

Literary

"身を粉にする"

— To grind one's body into powder (to work very hard). Used to describe the effort of dual income.

共働きで身を粉にして働いた。

Formal

Easily Confused

共働き vs 共稼ぎ

They have the same meaning.

Tomobataraki is more common and neutral; Tomokasegi focuses more on the money earned.

共働きの方が一般的に使われます。

共働き vs 協力

Both involve 'together'.

Kyoryoku is general cooperation; Tomobataraki is specifically for married couples working.

仕事で協力するのと、共働きは違います。

共働き vs 共用

Both start with 'Kyo'.

Kyoyo means 'shared use' of an object or facility.

このトイレは共用です。

共働き vs 共鳴

Both start with 'Kyo'.

Kyomei means 'resonance' or 'sympathy' with an idea.

彼の意見に共鳴する。

共働き vs 共通

Both start with 'Kyo'.

Kyotsu means 'common' or 'shared' (like a common interest).

共通の趣味があります。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] は共働きです。

私たちは共働きです。

共働きの [Noun] は [Adjective] です。

共働きの生活は忙しいです。

共働きなので、 [Result]。

共働きなので、家事を手伝います。

共働きを [Verb] ために、 [Action]。

共働きを続けるために、近くの保育園を探す。

共働きが [Social Change] をもたらした。

共働きが消費パターンの変化をもたらした。

共働きを巡る [Abstract Noun] が議論されている。

共働きを巡る社会保障の在り方が議論されている。

共働きだと、 [Condition]。

共働きだと、子供の迎えが大変だ。

[Subject] は共働きじゃない。

田中さんは共働きじゃない。

Word Family

Nouns

働き (Work)

共働き世帯 (Dual-income household)

共働き夫婦 (Dual-income couple)

Verbs

働く (To work)

稼ぐ (To earn)

共稼ぎする (To earn together - slightly more common than tomobataraki-suru)

Adjectives

働き者 (Hardworking person - noun used like an adjective)

共働きの (Dual-income - possessive adjective)

世帯 (Household)

扶養 (Support/Dependency)

所得 (Income)

家事 (Housework)

育児 (Childcare)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in daily life, news, and social policy discussions.

Common Mistakes

友達と共働きしています。 → 友達と協力して働いています。
You can't use 'tomobataraki' for friends; it's only for couples.
共働きする → 共働き（を）している
It's more natural as a noun or state than a direct verb.
共働きのプロジェクト → 共同のプロジェクト
'Tomobataraki' describes a household status, not a collaborative effort.
共働きの人 → 共働きの夫婦
Since it implies 'both', it's more natural to say 'couple' or 'household' than 'person'.
共働きを稼ぐ → 共働きで稼ぐ
You earn 'money' (okane), not 'dual income'. Use 'de' to show the state.

Tips

Particle Choice

Remember to use 'de' when describing what you do as a couple: 'Tomobataraki de ganbatte imasu' (We are doing our best as a working couple).

Don't confuse with Kyodo

Never use 'tomobataraki' for work projects with friends. That is 'kyodo sagyo'.

The 'Shufu' Contrast

To sound more fluent, use 'tomobataraki' in contrast with 'sengyo shufu' (housewife) when discussing society.

Keep it Flat

Avoid stressing the 'ba' or 'ta'. Keep the pitch steady throughout the word.

Kanji Meaning

Think of '共' as 'Both' and '働き' as 'Working'. It makes the word very easy to remember.

News Context

If you hear 'tomobataraki' on the news, it’s almost always followed by statistics about the economy or childcare.

Finding Common Ground

Using this word is a great way to bond with Japanese coworkers about the struggles of daily life.

No-Adjective

Treat it like a noun that needs 'no' to modify other nouns: 'Tomobataraki NO fufu'.

Loan Context

If you apply for a loan in Japan, 'tomobataraki' is a key status for your application.

Mnemonic

Tomo (Friend/Partner) + Hataraki (Work) = Partner-Work.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'Tomo' (a friend/partner) and 'Hataraki' (a worker). When they work together as a couple, they are 'Tomobataraki'.

Visual Association

Visualize two briefcases side by side near a front door, representing both partners leaving for work.

Word Web

夫婦 (Couple) 給料 (Salary) 仕事 (Job) 家計 (Finance) 保育園 (Nursery) 忙しい (Busy) 協力 (Cooperation) 生活 (Life)

Challenge

Try to describe three families you know using 'tomobataraki' or its antonym 'sengyo shufu'.

Word Origin

The word is a native Japanese (Kun-yomi) compound. It combines 'Tomo' (共), which originated from the idea of multiple people being together, with 'Hataraki' (働き), the noun form of 'Hataraku'.

Original meaning: Working together; collective labor within a family unit.

Japonic

Cultural Context

While 'Tomobataraki' is neutral, some older people may still have traditional views, so be mindful when discussing family structures with the elderly.

In English-speaking countries, we usually say 'dual-income household' or 'working couple'. The concept is similar, but the social shift in Japan is more recent and dramatic.

Government White Papers on Gender Equality often use 'Tomobataraki'. Modern dramas like 'Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu' discuss these dynamics. The term 'Womenomics' coined by the Japanese government relates to promoting tomobataraki.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Asking about someone's family

共働きですか？
奥様もお仕事されていますか？
うちは共働きです。
共働きは大変ですよね。

Discussing household chores

共働きなので、家事は分担しています。
共働きだと掃除する時間がない。
共働き夫婦向けの家電。
共働きの家事のコツ。

Financial planning

共働きでローンを組む。
共働き世帯の貯金術。
共働きだと節税が難しい。
共働きの合計所得。

Childcare discussions

共働きで子育てをする。
共働きに優しい保育園。
共働きを続けるための条件。
共働き家庭の教育費。

Job interviews/HR

共働きなので、残業は難しいです。
共働きを支援する制度はありますか？
共働きでも働きやすい職場。
共働き世帯への手当。

Conversation Starters

"最近は共働きの家庭が多いですが、あなたの周りはどうですか？"

"共働きで一番大変なことは何だと思いますか？"

"将来、結婚したら共働きをしたいと思いますか？"

"共働き夫婦が仲良く過ごすための秘訣は何でしょうか？"

"共働きを支援するために、国や会社は何をすべきだと思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたの国では、共働きは一般的ですか？日本と比較して書いてください。

もしあなたが共働きをするなら、家事の分担はどうしたいですか？

共働きのメリットとデメリットについて、自分の考えを述べてください。

「共働き」という言葉から、どのような社会のイメージを持ちますか？

あなたの両親は共働きでしたか？その経験があなたに与えた影響を書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it can be used for long-term partners sharing a household, it most traditionally and commonly refers to married couples. For roommates, it is not used.

It is neutral. However, in conversation, it is often used to explain why someone is busy or has money, giving it situational nuance.

'Tomobataraki' is the native Japanese word. 'Double income' (ダブルインカム) is a loanword often used in marketing to sound modern or stylish.

It is grammatically possible but sounds a bit unnatural. It's better to say 'tomobataraki wo shite iru' or 'tomobataraki desu'.

You can say 'kata-bataraki' (片働き) or 'ippon-ashi' (one leg), though these are less common than just describing the specific situation.

No, it's not rude, but it's more colloquial. In a professional setting, stick to 'tomobataraki'.

Mainly due to economic pressures, the need for two salaries to cover rising costs, and more women pursuing long-term careers.

It means 'dual-income household'. 'Setai' is the formal word for a household unit used in government data.

No, it specifically refers to the heads of the household (husband and wife).

It is the majority. As of recent years, dual-income households significantly outnumber single-income households in Japan.