To exert effort or labor, whether for employment or functional operation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To perform labor or work for an income.
- To function or operate effectively, like a machine.
- To have a positive effect or influence on something.
Overview
- 1概要：はたらきます（働く）は、主に職業に就いて労働することを意味します。また、機械や機能が正常に動くことや、薬などが体に作用することも含みます。2) 使用パターン：場所を表す「で」や「会社で」、組織を表す「に」を伴い、「会社で働いています」「銀行に働いています」のように使われます。また、目的を伴う場合「〜のために働く」という表現も一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では「どこで働いていますか？」と職業を尋ねる際に多用されます。ビジネスシーンでは「一生懸命働きます」のように意気込みを表す際にも使われます。4) 類語との比較：「務める（つとめる）」は特定の会社や組織に所属しているという状態に焦点が置かれますが、「働く」は労働という行為そのものに焦点が置かれます。「稼ぐ（かせぐ）」はお金を稼ぐという結果に焦点が置かれます。
Examples
私は銀行で働いています。
everydayI work at a bank.
彼は大きな会社に勤めて働いています。
formalHe is employed and works at a large company.
明日も働かなきゃ。
informalI have to work tomorrow too.
薬が患部に働きます。
academicThe medicine works on the affected area.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
働き者
Hard worker
働き盛り
Prime of one's working life
共働き
Dual-income household
Often Confused With
Focuses on the status of being employed by a company. You are 'employed' at a company.
Focuses on the act of earning money. You 'earn' a salary by working.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and can be used in almost any social setting. When talking to superiors, use '勤務しております' for higher formality. It is widely used for both physical labor and office work.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'で' and 'に' when indicating the workplace. Remember that 'で' indicates where the action happens, while 'に' is often used with '勤める'.
Tips
Focus on the action of labor
Use '働く' when describing the process of working. It emphasizes the effort being put into the activity.
Distinguish from employment status
While '働く' means working, use '勤める' when you want to emphasize belonging to a specific company or organization.
The value of hard work
In Japan, '働く' is often associated with dedication. Phrases like '一生懸命働く' reflect the cultural value placed on diligence.
Word Origin
Derived from '端（はた）' (nearby/surroundings) and '楽（らく）' (to move). Originally meant moving things around in one's surroundings.
Cultural Context
In Japan, working is often seen as a virtue. The phrase '働くおじさん' (working man) is a nostalgic term reflecting this cultural respect for labor.
Memory Tip
Think of a busy bee working in a hive. 'Hataraku' sounds like the busy sound of working hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions一般的には「会社で働きます」が使われます。「に」を使う場合は「銀行に勤めています」のように「勤める」を使うのが自然です。
はい、使えます。例えば「この時計はうまく働いていない」のように、機能が正常でない場合にも表現できます。
「バイト」はアルバイトの略称で名詞です。「バイトで働いています」のように組み合わせて使います。
「はたらきました」となります。過去の労働経験を話すときによく使われます。
Test Yourself
私はデパート ___ 働いています。
場所を示す場合は「で」を使います。
「彼は毎日遅くまで働きます。」の意味は？
「働く」は労働することを指します。
（父は / 働きます / 病院で）
主語＋場所＋動詞の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To exert effort or labor, whether for employment or functional operation.
- To perform labor or work for an income.
- To function or operate effectively, like a machine.
- To have a positive effect or influence on something.
Focus on the action of labor
Use '働く' when describing the process of working. It emphasizes the effort being put into the activity.
Distinguish from employment status
While '働く' means working, use '勤める' when you want to emphasize belonging to a specific company or organization.
The value of hard work
In Japan, '働く' is often associated with dedication. Phrases like '一生懸命働く' reflect the cultural value placed on diligence.
Examples
4 of 4私は銀行で働いています。
I work at a bank.
彼は大きな会社に勤めて働いています。
He is employed and works at a large company.
明日も働かなきゃ。
I have to work tomorrow too.
薬が患部に働きます。
The medicine works on the affected area.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More work words
調整
A1The act of making small changes to something to achieve a desired fit, function, or balance. In a work context, it specifically refers to coordinating schedules or aligning different opinions to reach an agreement.
有利な
B1Advantageous or favorable.
承知する
B1To acknowledge, agree; to be aware of and consent to something.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1To apply for a position, a competition, a prize, or a public offer. It indicates a proactive step to participate in something.
応募する
B1To apply for a job or position.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
