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
勤める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "work" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しごと and 勤める.
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, 勤める (つとめる (tsutomeru)) maps to "to work for; to be employed at; to serve" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This verb specifically means 'to be employed at' or 'to work for' a company, organization, or in a specific role. It emphasizes the act of serving or being engaged in a profession, often used with the particle に or で. It differs from 働く. 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 "勤める"
彼は銀行に勤めています。
He works for a bank.
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.". "勤める" represents "to work for; to be employed at; to serve".