Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Service" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "service", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
サービス
サービス (saabisu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
勤務
きんむ (kinmu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "service" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between サービス and 勤務.
In Japanese, サービス (サービス (saabisu)) is typically associated with "service; free of charge" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A loanword from English 'service'. Can refer to customer service or something provided free of charge.
On the other hand, 勤務 (きんむ (kinmu)) maps to "service; work; duty" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to working at a company or organization. Often used in formal contexts or to describe a period of work. Can be used with 「する」. A literal translation of "service" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "サービス"
この店のサービスはとても丁寧です。
The service at this shop is very polite.
Bilingual Context for "勤務"
彼は銀行に勤務している。
He is working at a bank.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この店の ＿＿＿ はとても丁寧です。" (Meaning: "The service at this shop is very polite.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "サービス" fits here because it means "service; free of charge" in the context of: "The service at this shop is very polite.". "勤務" represents "service; work; duty".