Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Work" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "work", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しごと
しごと (shigoto)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
作品
さくひん (sakuhin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "work" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しごと and 作品.
In Japanese, しごと (しごと (shigoto)) is typically associated with "work, job" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to employment or tasks. To work is 働きます.
On the other hand, 作品 (さくひん (sakuhin)) maps to "work (of art, literature, etc.), creation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to something created by an artist, writer, musician, craftsman, etc., such as a painting, novel, film, or piece of music. It carries a sense of artistic or creative merit.. A literal translation of "work" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しごと"
彼は新しい仕事を探しています。
He is looking for a new job.
Bilingual Context for "作品"
この美術館には有名な画家の作品がたくさんあります。
This museum has many works by famous painters.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は新しい仕事を探しています。" (Meaning: "He is looking for a new job.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しごと" fits here because it means "work, job" in the context of: "He is looking for a new job.". "作品" represents "work (of art, literature, etc.), creation".