It is the primary verb for expressing employment and functional operation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To perform labor or a job for money.
- Used for machines or systems functioning correctly.
- Describes the effects of medicine or substances.
Overview
- 1概要：「働きます」は、動詞「働く」の丁寧語です。主に人間が仕事をして報酬を得るという文脈で使われますが、対象が機械や組織、あるいは薬などの効果である場合にも広く使用されます。2) 使用パターン：場所を表す「〜で働きます」、職種を表す「〜として働きます」といった形が一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では「どこで働いていますか？」という質問が非常に一般的です。ビジネスシーンでは、自分の仕事について説明する際に欠かせない動詞です。4) 類似語との比較：「勤めます（つとめます）」は、組織や会社に所属しているというニュアンスが強く、「働きます」はより広く、アルバイトや肉体労働、あるいは機械の動作などにも使える汎用性の高い言葉です。
Examples
私は東京の会社で働いています。
everydayI work at a company in Tokyo.
父は公務員として働いております。
formalMy father works as a civil servant.
どこで働いてるの？
informalWhere do you work?
この薬は胃に働きます。
academicThis medicine acts on the stomach.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
よく働きます
works hard / functions well
働き者
hard worker
共働き
dual-income household
Often Confused With
This means 'to move' or 'to shift'. It refers to physical motion, whereas '働きます' refers to labor or functional operation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '働きます' for general labor and functional operations. In formal business settings, '勤務しております' is often preferred. Ensure you distinguish it from '動きます' to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse '働きます' with '動きます' due to similar pronunciation. Also, remember to use the particle 'で' when specifying the workplace. Avoid using it for simple physical movement.
Tips
Focus on the context of employment
When asking about someone's job, use 'どこで働いていますか？'. It is the most natural way to inquire about a workplace.
Distinguish from 'move'
Do not confuse '働きます' (work/function) with '動きます' (move physically). They sound similar but have different kanji and meanings.
Work ethics in Japanese culture
In Japan, asking where someone works is a very common icebreaker. It helps establish social status and context.
Word Origin
Derived from the old Japanese 'はたらく', which meant to move or act upon something. It evolved to specifically mean working for a living.
Cultural Context
Work is central to Japanese social identity. Asking about work is a standard way to show interest in someone's life and background.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hataraku' as 'Hard-working'. The sound 'hata' reminds you of 'hard' labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「働きます」は仕事をするという行為そのものに焦点があります。一方、「勤めます」は会社という組織に所属しているという状態を強調します。
はい、使えます。例えば「この時計はよく働きます（よく動きます）」のように、機能している状態を指すことができます。
過去形は「働きました」です。否定形は「働きません」となります。
はい、「アルバイトで働いています」のように自然に使えます。
Test Yourself
私は銀行で___。
Bank is a workplace, so '働きます' is the correct verb.
「どこで働いていますか？」の返答として正しいものは？
The question asks for a location, so a place name is expected.
（レストランで / 働きます / 私は）
Standard Japanese word order is Subject-Object-Verb.
Score: /3
Summary
It is the primary verb for expressing employment and functional operation.
- To perform labor or a job for money.
- Used for machines or systems functioning correctly.
- Describes the effects of medicine or substances.
Focus on the context of employment
When asking about someone's job, use 'どこで働いていますか？'. It is the most natural way to inquire about a workplace.
Distinguish from 'move'
Do not confuse '働きます' (work/function) with '動きます' (move physically). They sound similar but have different kanji and meanings.
Work ethics in Japanese culture
In Japan, asking where someone works is a very common icebreaker. It helps establish social status and context.
Examples
4 of 4私は東京の会社で働いています。
I work at a company in Tokyo.
父は公務員として働いております。
My father works as a civil servant.
どこで働いてるの？
Where do you work?
この薬は胃に働きます。
This medicine acts on the stomach.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
