Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Job" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "job", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
仕事
しごと (shigoto)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
転勤
てんきん (tenkin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "job" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 仕事 and 転勤.
In Japanese, 仕事 (しごと (shigoto)) is typically associated with "job, work" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A noun meaning 'job' or 'work'. Can be used with する to mean 'to work'.
On the other hand, 転勤 (てんきん (tenkin)) maps to "job transfer; relocation (within the same company)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being transferred to a different branch or office within the same company, often requiring relocation. Can be used as a noun or with する. A literal translation of "job" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "仕事"
私の仕事は先生です。
My job is a teacher.
Bilingual Context for "転勤"
彼は来月、大阪に転勤になります。
He will be transferred to Osaka next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の ＿＿＿ は先生です。" (Meaning: "My job is a teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "仕事" fits here because it means "job, work" in the context of: "My job is a teacher.". "転勤" represents "job transfer; relocation (within the same company)".