Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Work" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "work", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
働きます
はたらきます (hatarakimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しごと
しごと (shigoto)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "work" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 働きます and しごと.
In Japanese, 働きます (はたらきます (hatarakimasu)) is typically associated with "to work" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 働く.
On the other hand, しごと (しごと (shigoto)) maps to "work, job" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to employment or tasks. To work is 働きます. A literal translation of "work" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "働きます"
私は毎日8時間働きます。
I work 8 hours every day.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は毎日8時間 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I work 8 hours every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "働きます" fits here because it means "to work" in the context of: "I work 8 hours every day.". "しごと" represents "work, job".