Translation and Meaning of: 勤務 - kinmu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 勤務[きんむ]. It frequently appears in professional and formal contexts, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some tips for memorizing it effectively. Furthermore, we will understand why it is so relevant in the Japanese workplace and how its origin helps to unravel its current usage.

The meaning and origin of 勤務

The word 勤務 is composed of two kanji: 勤, which carries the idea of "diligent work" or "service," and 務, which means "duty" or "task." Together, they form a term that refers to the act of fulfilling professional duties, often in a fixed context, such as a regular job. Unlike words like 仕事 (shigoto), which has a more general sense of "work," 勤務 is linked to an established routine, such as schedules and formal responsibilities.

The use of this term dates back to the period when Japan modernized its labor structures, especially during the Meiji Era. At that time, words associated with formal employment gained prominence, and 勤務 became established as part of the corporate vocabulary. Today, it is common in contractual documents, job descriptions, and even in conversations about working hours.

How and when to use 勤務 in daily life

In Japan, 勤務 is often used in combination with other words to specify types of work. For example, 勤務先 (kinmuzaki) means "workplace," and 勤務時間 (kinmu jikan) refers to "working hours." If you have read job ments in Japanese, you have probably seen phrases like 週5日勤務 (shū itsuka kinmu), which indicates "work five days a week."

It is worth noting that 勤務 is more common in formal or semi-formal records. In casual conversations, Japanese people tend to use alternatives like 働く (hataraku) or 仕事. However, in environments like offices or official documents, this word is almost indispensable. If you are learning Japanese for professional purposes, mastering its use can be a differentiator.

Tips for memorizing and interesting facts about 勤務

An effective way to 勤務 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of a "time card" — in Japan, it is called 勤務表 (kinmuhyō). This type of connection helps to not only the term but also its real context. Another tip is to practice with sentences that use the verb 勤める (tsutomeru), which derives from the same root and means "to work for" (a company).

Interestingly, 勤務 also appears in less obvious , such as 在宅勤務 (zaitaku kinmu), which means "remote work." With the popularization of the home office, this expression has become more frequent. Noticing how the word adapts to new contexts is an interesting way to track changes in Japanese society.