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
息が合う
いきがあう (ikigaau)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "work" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 勤める and 息が合う.
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, 息が合う (いきがあう (ikigaau)) maps to "to work well together" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "息が合う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために息が合う。
Every day, I work well together to practice Japanese.
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.". "息が合う" represents "to work well together".