Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Work" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "work", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
勤める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N4 / 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 勤める and 仕事する.
In Japanese, 勤める (つとめる (tsutomeru)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "勤める"
彼は銀行に勤めています。
He works for a bank.
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: "彼は銀行に勤めています。" (Meaning: "He works for a bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "勤める" fits here because it means "to work for; to be employed at; to serve" in the context of: "He works for a bank.". "仕事する" represents "to work; to do work".