Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Work" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "work", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
働く
はたらく (hataraku)
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 働く and 作品.
In Japanese, 働く (はたらく (hataraku)) is typically associated with "to work" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Describes the act of working or being employed. Polite form 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 "働く"
私の父は銀行で働いています。
My father works at a bank.
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: "私の父は銀行で働いています。" (Meaning: "My father works at a bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "働く" fits here because it means "to work" in the context of: "My father works at a bank.". "作品" represents "work (of art, literature, etc.), creation".