Translation and Meaning of: 働く - hataraku

The Japanese word 働く [はたらく] is essential for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries deep meanings and is present in the daily lives of the Japanese, reflecting important societal values. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage in sentences, and how it is perceived in the Japanese cultural context. If you've ever wondered how to use 働く correctly or what its relation is to the work mentality in Japan, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and translation of 働く

働く is a Japanese verb that means "to work" or "to perform a function." It is used for both formal jobs and activities that require physical or mental effort. Unlike other words related to work, such as 仕事[しごと] (which refers to the job itself), 働く emphasizes the action of working.

In literal translations to English, it can be interpreted as "to labor," "to act," or "to function" (in the case of machines). For example, the phrase 彼は会社で働く[かれはかいしゃではたらく] means "He works at a company." The word also appears in expressions like 働き者[はたらきもの], which describes someone hardworking.

Origin and writing of the kanji 働

The kanji 働 is composed of two elements: the radical 人 (person) and the component 動 (movement). This combination suggests the idea of a person in action, reinforcing the concept of work as something active. The reading はたらく is of Japanese origin (kun'yomi), while the pronunciation ドウ (as in 労働[ろうどう]) comes from Chinese.

Interestingly, this kanji does not exist in traditional Chinese – it was created in Japan during the Edo period. This shows how the Japanese language adapted characters to express specific concepts of its culture. The writing of 働く is often confused with 動く [うごく] (to move), but their meanings are distinct.

Cultural usage and importance in Japan

In Japan, 働く goes beyond the literal meaning of work. It is connected to the ethics of discipline and dedication valued in society. Companies use derived , such as 社員働き方[しゃいんはたらきかた] (employee work style), to discuss labor policies. The word also appears in debates about work-life balance.

In animes and dramas, 働く frequently appears in contexts that portray the routine of ordinary characters. Series like "Hataraki Man" explore themes related to the term, showing how work shapes identities in modern Japan. This media representation reinforces the cultural significance of the word in Japanese daily life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 労働する (Roudou suru) - Work, usually in the context of physical or hard labor.
• 勤める (Tsutomeru) - Working in a company or institution, emphasizing the position or role performed.
• 就労する (Shuurou suru) - Engage in work, often used in legal or formal contexts.
• 勤務する (Kinmu suru) - Perform functions or duties in a position, focusing on responsibility and work schedule.
• 仕事する (Shigoto suru) - Perform tasks or work; it can be used in informal contexts.
• 働きかける (Hatarakikakeru) - To influence or actively interact, not limiting oneself only to the work itself.