残業 in 30 Seconds
- Zangyou means overtime work in Japanese, combining the kanji for 'remain' and 'work'. It is a core part of Japanese office culture.
- It functions as both a noun and a suru-verb, used to describe staying late at the office beyond one's contracted hours.
- While traditionally seen as a sign of loyalty, modern Japan is actively working to reduce excessive zangyou to improve work-life balance.
- Commonly heard in excuses for being late to social events or in discussions about salary and labor rights in Japan.
The term 残業 (Zangyou) is a cornerstone of Japanese corporate vocabulary, fundamentally describing work that occurs after the official end of the business day. To understand its essence, we must look at the two kanji characters that form it. The first character, 残 (zan), means 'to remain,' 'leftover,' or 'balance.' The second character, 業 (gyou), refers to 'work,' 'business,' or 'industry.' Together, they literally translate to 'remaining work' or 'work that is left over' after the standard hours have passed. In a cultural context, this isn't just about finishing a task; it represents a deep-seated aspect of the Japanese labor market where staying late has historically been viewed as a sign of dedication and loyalty to the company.
- Literal Breakdown
- 残 (Remain) + 業 (Work) = Work that remains beyond the schedule.
- Grammatical Category
- A 'suru-verb' noun, meaning it functions as a noun (overtime) or a verb (to do overtime).
"今日は仕事が多いので、残業をします。" (Today I have a lot of work, so I will do overtime.)
In modern Japan, the concept of zangyou is undergoing significant scrutiny. While it was once the hallmark of the 'salaryman' lifestyle, new labor laws and a shift toward work-life balance (often referred to as 'hatarakikata kaikaku' or work-style reform) are attempting to limit the number of hours employees spend at the office. However, for a learner, knowing this word is essential because it appears in almost every conversation regarding employment, daily schedules, and social plans. If you are meeting a friend and they are late, the most common excuse you will hear is 'Zangyou de...' (Because of overtime...).
"残業代が出ない会社はブラック企業と呼ばれます。" (Companies that do not pay overtime pay are called 'black companies'.)
- Usage in Sentences
- Can be used with 'ga aru' (there is overtime) or 'wo suru' (to do overtime).
Using 残業 correctly requires understanding its flexibility as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it acts as the object of a sentence. For example, you can say 'Zangyou ga ooi' (There is a lot of overtime) or 'Zangyou wo herasu' (To reduce overtime). When you want to express the action of working late, you simply add 'suru' to make it 'zangyou suru'. This is the most common way to tell someone you are staying late at the office. It is important to note that 'zangyou' specifically refers to the time worked *after* the scheduled shift, not just working hard in general.
"昨日は３時間も残業しました。" (I worked three hours of overtime yesterday.)
In professional settings, when you are leaving the office while others are still working, you might hear the phrase 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' (Excuse me for leaving before you). The people staying behind are likely 'zangyou-chu' (in the middle of overtime). If you are the one staying, you might be asked 'Kyou wa zangyou desu ka?' (Are you working overtime today?). It is a neutral term, but depending on the tone, it can convey sympathy or simple inquiry. Learners should also be aware of 'Service Zangyou' (unpaid overtime), which is a significant social issue in Japan where employees work extra hours without reporting them to avoid costing the company money or appearing inefficient.
- Common Verbs used with Zangyou
- Suru (to do), Tanomu (to request/ask for), Kinshi suru (to prohibit), Herasu (to reduce).
You will encounter 残業 in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the casual. In a corporate office, it is the most frequent topic of conversation during the late afternoon. Managers might announce, 'Kyou wa zangyou nashi de onegaishimasu' (Please, no overtime today), especially on 'No Overtime Days' (No-zangyou-day), which many companies implement on Wednesdays to encourage employees to go home early. On the news, you will hear it in discussions about labor laws, economic productivity, and the health risks associated with excessive work, such as 'Karoshi' (death from overwork).
"毎週水曜日は「ノー残業デー」です。" (Every Wednesday is 'No Overtime Day'.)
In popular culture, such as anime and drama, zangyou is often used to depict the 'tired but hardworking' trope of the Japanese protagonist. You might see a character sighing at their desk with a stack of papers, muttering 'Mata zangyou ka...' (Overtime again...). In casual social settings, it's a standard reason for canceling plans. If a friend texts you, 'Gomen, zangyou ni natchatta' (Sorry, I ended up having to work overtime), it is considered a very valid and unavoidable excuse in Japanese society. It reflects the reality that for many, work demands take precedence over personal time.
One of the most frequent mistakes for beginners is confusing 残業 (zangyou) with general 'work' (shigoto) or 'duty' (kinmu). You cannot use zangyou to describe your regular 9-to-5 shift. It *only* applies to the hours that exceed your contract. For instance, saying 'I have zangyou at 10 AM' is incorrect unless your shift normally ends at 9 AM. Another mistake is using the wrong particles. While 'zangyou wo suru' is correct, learners often forget that 'zangyou ga aru' (there is overtime) is equally common and often sounds more natural when describing a situation rather than an intentional action.
"❌ 毎日残業に行きます。" (Incorrect: I go to overtime every day. Use 'shigoto' instead.)
Another nuance involves the word 'Service Zangyou'. Beginners might think this means 'overtime in the service industry'. In reality, it refers to 'unpaid overtime'—work done as a 'service' to the company. Misunderstanding this can lead to confusion in discussions about labor rights. Additionally, don't confuse zangyou with 'yakin' (night shift). A night shift is a scheduled period of work that happens at night, whereas zangyou is extra work regardless of whether it's evening or early morning (though it's usually evening).
While 残業 is the most common term, several related words describe specific types of extra work. 超過勤務 (Chouka kinmu) is a more formal, technical term often used in legal documents or government jobs to mean 'excess duty'. In daily life, you might hear 居残り (Inokori), which literally means 'staying behind'. While inokori can be used for work, it is more frequently used for students staying after school to study or for punishment. If you are working late specifically at night, 夜なべ (Yonabe) is an old-fashioned, poetic term for working through the night, though it's less common in modern offices.
- Chouka Kinmu (超過勤務)
- Formal/Legal term for overtime.
- Inokori (居残り)
- Staying behind (often used for school or general staying late).
- Yakin (夜勤)
- Scheduled night shift (not necessarily extra hours).
There is also the term 早出 (Hayade), which is the opposite of zangyou in terms of timing. Hayade refers to coming into work earlier than the scheduled start time. If you arrive at 7 AM for a 9 AM shift to get a head start, that is hayade. Interestingly, both zangyou and hayade fall under the umbrella of 'extra hours', but zangyou is by far the more culturally significant and frequently used term in the Japanese lexicon.
"残業よりも早出のほうが集中できます。" (I can concentrate better with early starting than with overtime.)
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
~node (Reasoning)
~te shimau (Regret)
~tame ni (Purpose)
~beki (Should)
~youni (In order to)
Examples by Level
今日は残業です。
Today is overtime.
Simple noun + desu.
残業がありますか？
Is there overtime?
Question form with 'ga arimasu'.
残業をします。
I will do overtime.
Suru-verb usage.
残業は嫌いです。
I hate overtime.
Expressing dislike.
毎日残業ですか？
Is it overtime every day?
Adverb 'mainichi' + noun.
父は残業をしています。
My father is doing overtime.
Present continuous '~te iru'.
残業、頑張って！
Good luck with the overtime!
Encouragement.
残業はありますか？
Do you have overtime?
Polite inquiry.
昨日は一時間残業しました。
Yesterday I worked one hour of overtime.
Quantifier + suru-verb.
仕事が終わらないので、残業します。
Because the work isn't finished, I will work overtime.
Reasoning with 'node'.
残業代はいくらですか？
How much is the overtime pay?
Compound noun 'zangyou-dai'.
あまり残業したくないです。
I don't really want to do overtime.
Negative desire '~takunai'.
残業の後は疲れました。
I was tired after the overtime.
Time sequence 'no ato'.
今日は残業がないので、早く帰ります。
Since there is no overtime today, I will go home early.
Negative existence 'nai'.
彼はいつも残業をしていますね。
He is always doing overtime, isn't he?
Particle 'ne' for confirmation.
残業をお願いできますか？
Could I ask you to do some overtime?
Polite request.
残業を減らすために、新しいシステムを導入しました。
In order to reduce overtime, we introduced a new system.
Purpose 'tame ni'.
日本の会社は残業が多いと言われています。
It is said that Japanese companies have a lot of overtime.
Passive 'iwarete iru'.
残業が続くと、健康に悪いです。
If overtime continues, it is bad for your health.
Conditional 'to'.
先月の残業時間は合計で40時間でした。
The total overtime hours last month were 40 hours.
Compound 'zangyou-jikan'.
残業をしないように努力しています。
I am making an effort not to do overtime.
Effort 'youni doryoku suru'.
急な仕事で残業になってしまいました。
I ended up having to work overtime due to urgent work.
Regret/Unintentional 'te shimau'.
残業代が正しく支払われていません。
The overtime pay is not being paid correctly.
Passive continuous.
残業を断るのは難しいです。
It is difficult to refuse overtime.
Nominalizing 'no wa'.
サービス残業は法律で禁止されています。
Unpaid overtime is prohibited by law.
Specific term 'service zangyou'.
残業を前提とした働き方を見直すべきです。
We should review work styles that are based on the assumption of overtime.
Should 'beki desu'.
彼は残業代を稼ぐために、わざとゆっくり仕事をしています。
He is working slowly on purpose to earn overtime pay.
Purpose 'tame ni' with negative connotation.
残業時間が月100時間を超えると、過労死のリスクが高まります。
If overtime hours exceed 100 per month, the risk of death from overwork increases.
Conditional 'to' with 'koeru'.
弊社では、許可なく残業をすることは認められていません。
In our company, working overtime without permission is not permitted.
Formal 'mitomerarete inai'.
残業の削減が、社員のモチベーション向上に繋がりました。
The reduction of overtime led to an improvement in employee motivation.
Result 'ni tsunagaru'.
付き合い残業をなくすのは、日本の企業文化では容易ではありません。
Eliminating social overtime is not easy in Japanese corporate culture.
Noun phrase 'tsukiai zangyou'.
残業の有無は、就職活動において重要な指標の一つです。
The presence or absence of overtime is an important indicator in job hunting.
Existence 'umu'.
長時間残業の常態化が、少子化の一因であると指摘されています。
It is pointed out that the normalization of long overtime hours is one cause of the declining birthrate.
Normalization 'joutaikai'.
働き方改革関連法により、残業時間の上限が厳格に定められました。
The upper limit of overtime hours has been strictly defined by the Work-style Reform related laws.
Passive 'sadamerareta'.
残業を美徳とする価値観は、もはや時代遅れと言わざるを得ません。
One cannot help but say that the value system that regards overtime as a virtue is now outdated.
Cannot help but 'iwazaru wo enai'.
不必要な残業を強いることは、パワーハラスメントに該当する可能性があります。
Forcing unnecessary overtime may fall under the category of power harassment.
Potential 'kanousei ga aru'.
残業抑制策が形骸化している現状を打破する必要があります。
It is necessary to break through the current situation where overtime suppression measures have become a mere formality.
Formal term 'keigaika'.
裁量労働制の導入が、実質的な残業時間の増加を招く懸念があります。
There is a concern that the introduction of the discretionary labor system will lead to a substantial increase in overtime hours.
Concern 'kenen'.
残業代の未払い問題は、企業の社会的信用を著しく損ないます。
The issue of unpaid overtime pay significantly damages a company's social credibility.
Adverb 'ichijirushiku'.
効率的な業務遂行により、残業を最小限に留めることが求められています。
There is a demand to keep overtime to a minimum through efficient task execution.
Passive 'motomerarete iru'.
残業という概念そのものが、固定給制度の歪みを象徴している。
The very concept of overtime symbolizes the distortion of the fixed salary system.
Emphasis 'sono mono'.
労働基準法の改正を経て、残業に対する社会の眼差しは厳格化の一途を辿っている。
Through the revision of the Labor Standards Act, society's gaze toward overtime has continued to become more stringent.
Continuous trend 'itto wo tadoru'.
「残業＝忠誠心」という前時代的なパラダイムからの脱却が急務である。
Breaking away from the archaic paradigm of 'overtime equals loyalty' is an urgent task.
Urgent 'kyuumu'.
残業時間の削減が単なる数字合わせに終始し、現場の負担が増大する矛盾が生じている。
A contradiction has arisen where the reduction of overtime hours is merely a matter of juggling numbers, resulting in an increased burden on the ground.
Contradiction 'mujun'.
潜在的な残業、いわゆる「隠れ残業」の実態把握は極めて困難である。
Grasping the actual state of potential overtime, so-called 'hidden overtime', is extremely difficult.
So-called 'iwayuru'.
残業依存型の収益構造を脱却できない企業は、今後淘汰される運命にある。
Companies that cannot break away from an overtime-dependent profit structure are destined to be weeded out in the future.
Destined 'unmei ni aru'.
残業を巡る労使間の葛藤は、日本型雇用システムの根幹に関わる問題である。
The conflict between labor and management over overtime is an issue that concerns the very foundation of the Japanese-style employment system.
Concerning 'ni kakawaru'.
グローバル競争が激化する中で、残業に頼らない高付加価値な働き方の構築が不可欠だ。
Amid intensifying global competition, the construction of high-value-added work styles that do not rely on overtime is indispensable.
Indispensable 'fukaketsu'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Yakin is a scheduled night shift; Zangyou is extra work after any shift.
Inokori is more general (like staying after school); Zangyou is specific to labor.
Hayade is coming in early; Zangyou is staying late.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It is a neutral word, but complaining too much about it in a formal setting can be seen as unprofessional.
Use 'zangyou desu' for the state and 'zangyou shimasu' for the action.
- Using 'zangyou' for school staying late (use 'inokori').
- Saying 'zangyou ni iku' (use 'zangyou suru').
- Confusing 'zangyou' with 'yakin' (night shift).
- Forgetting that 'zangyou' is only for extra hours, not regular work.
- Using 'zangyou' to mean 'hard work' (use 'isshoukenmei').
Tips
Leaving the Office
When you leave while others are doing zangyou, always say 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu'. This acknowledges their hard work. It is a vital piece of office etiquette. Even if you didn't do zangyou, this phrase is used.
Using 'Suru'
Remember that 'zangyou' is a suru-verb. You can conjugate it just like 'benkyou suru'. 'Zangyou shitai' means 'I want to work overtime'. 'Zangyou saseru' means 'to make someone work overtime'.
Texting Excuses
If you are late for a date, 'Zangyou de okureru' is the perfect excuse. It sounds professional and unavoidable. Most people will understand immediately. It's better than just saying 'I'm busy'.
Check Your Pay
Always check your 'kyuuyo meisai' (pay slip) for 'zangyou-teate'. This is your overtime allowance. If it's zero but you worked late, you might be doing service zangyou. Knowing the term helps you discuss it with HR.
Kanji Meaning
Focus on the 'zan' (remain) part. It's the same 'zan' in 'zannen' (disappointing - literally 'remaining regret'). Overtime is often 'disappointing' because you can't go home!
Avoid Karoshi
If your zangyou exceeds 80 hours a month, it's the 'karoshi line'. Take care of your mental and physical health. Japanese doctors use this term to assess work stress. Don't let zangyou become your whole life.
Reducing Hours
To avoid zangyou, use the phrase 'Teishi de kaeritai' (I want to leave on time). Set clear goals for your day. Efficiency is the enemy of zangyou. Many modern companies reward those who don't stay late.
Interview Questions
In an interview, don't ask 'Is there zangyou?'. Instead, ask 'What is the average monthly overtime?'. It sounds more professional. It shows you care about productivity and balance.
Spotting the Word
Watch for scenes where characters are eating cup ramen at their desks. They will almost always mention 'zangyou'. It's a classic visual shorthand for a busy life. It helps you associate the word with the image.
Particle Choice
Use 'zangyou NI naru' when the overtime was unexpected. Use 'zangyou WO suru' when it's a choice or a task. This subtle difference shows your level of Japanese. 'Ni naru' sounds like it happened to you.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Cultural Context
The extreme consequence of excessive zangyou.
Usually Wednesdays, meant to encourage family time.
Unpaid overtime, a major legal and social issue.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近、残業は多いですか？ (Have you had much overtime lately?)"
"残業代はちゃんと出ますか？ (Do you get overtime pay properly?)"
"残業についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about overtime?)"
"今日は残業になりそうですか？ (Does it look like you'll have overtime today?)"
"残業を減らすにはどうすればいいでしょうか？ (What should we do to reduce overtime?)"
Journal Prompts
今日の残業について書いてください。 (Write about today's overtime.)
残業がない日は何をしますか？ (What do you do on days without overtime?)
あなたの国の残業文化はどうですか？ (How is the overtime culture in your country?)
理想的な残業時間は？ (What is your ideal amount of overtime?)
残業中に何を考えますか？ (What do you think about during overtime?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt refers to overtime work that is not recorded or paid. It is considered a 'service' to the company by the employee. This practice is illegal but still exists in some sectors. Many people do it to avoid looking inefficient. The government is trying to eliminate it.
Yes, it is very common, although it is decreasing. Historically, it was a sign of loyalty. Now, many companies have 'No Overtime Days'. Younger generations tend to dislike it more. It varies greatly by industry.
You can say 'Zangyou wa arimasen' or 'Zangyou nashi desu'. In a casual setting, 'Zangyou nai yo' works. It is often a happy thing to say. Many people aim for 'Zangyou zero'.
Yes, it can apply to any job. However, for part-time jobs, it's often just called 'encho' (extension). If you work beyond your scheduled hours, it's technically zangyou. Part-timers are also entitled to overtime pay. Laws protect all types of workers.
It is a specific day of the week, often Wednesday. On this day, employees are encouraged to leave exactly at finishing time. Lights in the office might be turned off automatically. It's part of the work-style reform. Some people still work secretly, though.
No, students use 'inokori' or 'houkago' (after school). 'Zangyou' is strictly for professional labor. If a student stays late to study, they don't call it zangyou. It implies a 'job' or 'business'.
Usually, it is 1.25 times the hourly wage. If it's late at night (after 10 PM), it increases further. Weekend overtime also has a higher rate. This is defined by the Labor Standards Act. Companies must track hours accurately.
It is 'social overtime' where you stay because others are staying. You might not have work, but you feel bad leaving. It's a common social pressure in Japanese offices. It is one of the targets of work reform.
Legally, it depends on your contract and the '36 Agreement'. Most Japanese contracts allow for some overtime. Refusing without a good reason can sometimes hurt your reputation. However, unreasonable demands can be challenged. Health reasons are always a valid excuse.
The most common opposite is 'teishi退社' (leaving on time). You can also say 'zangyou nashi'. There isn't a single word that means 'under-time'. 'Hayade' (coming early) is the temporal opposite.
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Summary
Zangyou (残業) is the essential Japanese term for overtime. Whether you are a student or a professional, understanding this word is vital for navigating Japanese social and work life, as it explains everything from why people are tired to why they cancel plans.
- Zangyou means overtime work in Japanese, combining the kanji for 'remain' and 'work'. It is a core part of Japanese office culture.
- It functions as both a noun and a suru-verb, used to describe staying late at the office beyond one's contracted hours.
- While traditionally seen as a sign of loyalty, modern Japan is actively working to reduce excessive zangyou to improve work-life balance.
- Commonly heard in excuses for being late to social events or in discussions about salary and labor rights in Japan.
Leaving the Office
When you leave while others are doing zangyou, always say 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu'. This acknowledges their hard work. It is a vital piece of office etiquette. Even if you didn't do zangyou, this phrase is used.
Using 'Suru'
Remember that 'zangyou' is a suru-verb. You can conjugate it just like 'benkyou suru'. 'Zangyou shitai' means 'I want to work overtime'. 'Zangyou saseru' means 'to make someone work overtime'.
Texting Excuses
If you are late for a date, 'Zangyou de okureru' is the perfect excuse. It sounds professional and unavoidable. Most people will understand immediately. It's better than just saying 'I'm busy'.
Check Your Pay
Always check your 'kyuuyo meisai' (pay slip) for 'zangyou-teate'. This is your overtime allowance. If it's zero but you worked late, you might be doing service zangyou. Knowing the term helps you discuss it with HR.
Example
毎日残業しています。
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