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
仕事する
しごと する (shigoto suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "work" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 働きます and 仕事する.
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, 仕事する (しごと する (shigoto suru)) maps to "to work; to do work" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A very common verb used for performing a job or task, often implying employment. It combines the noun '仕事'. 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 "仕事する"
私は毎日会社で仕事をします。
I work at the company every day.
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.". "仕事する" represents "to work; to do work".