To work is to exert effort, whether through professional employment or the proper functioning of a system.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To perform work or engage in labor for a living.
- To function or operate correctly in terms of machines.
- To apply effort or mental activity toward a goal.
使用パターン：主に「〜で働く（場所）」、「〜として働く（職業・役割）」という形で使われます。また、機械やシステムについては「〜が働く」という自動詞的な文脈で用いられます。
- 1一般的な文脈：日常生活では「どこで働いていますか？」という質問が非常に一般的です。ビジネスの場では「一生懸命働く」や「プロジェクトのために働く」といった表現が使われます。また、比喩的に「頭を働かせる（思考を巡らせる）」や「法律が働く（適用される）」といった使い方も一般的です。
- 1類語との比較：「勤める」は特定の組織や会社に所属している状態を強調し、「仕事をする」は具体的なタスクをこなすという行為に焦点が当たります。「働く」はそれらよりも広く、労働という行為そのものや、機能が作動する状態までカバーする汎用性の高い言葉です。
Examples
私は銀行で働いています。
everydayI work at a bank.
彼は公務員として働いております。
formalHe works as a civil servant.
もっと働かないとね。
informalI need to work more.
この法律が社会の中で働く。
academicThis law functions within society.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
共働き
Dual-income household
働き盛り
Prime of one's working life
働き方改革
Work-style reform
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to being employed by an organization or company. 'Hataraku' is more general and covers any kind of labor.
Focuses on the completion of tasks or assignments. 'Hataraku' emphasizes the state of being engaged in labor.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hataraku' for general labor and functional operations. It is neutral in formality but can be made formal with 'hatarakimasu'. Avoid using it for simple tasks; use 'shigoto o suru' instead.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'hataraku' for specific tasks like 'I will do my homework' (shukudai o suru). Remember that 'hataraku' implies professional labor or physical/mental function.
Tips
Focus on the context of function
Remember that 'hataraku' applies to both humans and systems. If a mechanism is doing its job, you can use this verb.
Don't confuse with 'tsutomeru'
While 'hataraku' is general, 'tsutomeru' specifically implies being employed by a company. Use 'hataraku' for the general act of working.
The value of hard work
In Japan, 'hataraku' is often associated with diligence. Phrases like 'hataraki-mono' (hard worker) are considered a high compliment.
Word Origin
Derived from 'hata' (surroundings/others) and 'raku' (to make easy/to move). It originally meant helping others or contributing to the surroundings.
Cultural Context
In Japan, working is often seen as a virtue. The phrase 'hataraki-bachi' (worker bee) is a cultural metaphor for someone who works excessively hard.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hataraku' as 'Hard-to-rack' (your brain/muscles). It's the effort you put into the rack of life!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「働く」は労働という行為そのものや、機能が作動することに重点があります。「仕事をする」は、具体的なタスクやプロジェクトを完了させるという行為に焦点が当てられることが多いです。
思考を活発にして、よく考えることを意味します。脳が本来の機能を発揮している状態を比喩的に表現しています。
「働きました」や「働いた」となります。丁寧な表現では「働きました」を使い、日常会話では「働いた」を使います。
はい、機能が作用しているという意味で使われます。例えば「ブレーキが働く」や「免疫が働く」といった表現は非常に自然です。
Test Yourself
私は毎日、市役所で___。
丁寧な文体（ます形）が文末として適切です。
次のうち、適切な文はどれですか？
機械や機能が作用することに「働く」を使うのが最も自然です。
（として / 彼女は / 働いている / 先生）
「〜として」は職業や役割を説明する際に使います。
Score: /3
Summary
To work is to exert effort, whether through professional employment or the proper functioning of a system.
- To perform work or engage in labor for a living.
- To function or operate correctly in terms of machines.
- To apply effort or mental activity toward a goal.
Focus on the context of function
Remember that 'hataraku' applies to both humans and systems. If a mechanism is doing its job, you can use this verb.
Don't confuse with 'tsutomeru'
While 'hataraku' is general, 'tsutomeru' specifically implies being employed by a company. Use 'hataraku' for the general act of working.
The value of hard work
In Japan, 'hataraku' is often associated with diligence. Phrases like 'hataraki-mono' (hard worker) are considered a high compliment.
Examples
4 of 4私は銀行で働いています。
I work at a bank.
彼は公務員として働いております。
He works as a civil servant.
もっと働かないとね。
I need to work more.
この法律が社会の中で働く。
This law functions within society.
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.
