Translation and Meaning of: 当番 - touban

If you have already studied Japanese or had contact with Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 当番[とうばん]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even how it fits into certain social contexts in Japan. If you want to understand this expression better or are looking for ways to memorize it, keep reading to discover everything about 当番.

What does 当番 mean?

The word 当番 refers to a person or group responsible for a specific task during a certain period. In English, it can be translated as "duty," "rotation," or "shift work." It is often used in school, work, and even at home when there is a division of tasks among group members.

For example, in a Japanese classroom, students may have a 当番 responsible for cleaning the room or distributing materials. This practice not only teaches responsibility but also reinforces values such as cooperation and discipline, which are very present in Japanese culture.

Origin and structure of the word

The term 当番 is composed of two kanji: 当 (tou), which can mean "to hit," "to reach," or "to be responsible," and 番 (ban), which refers to "turn" or "duty." Together, these characters convey the idea of someone who is on call or in a duty shift.

Although there are no precise historical records about when this word originated, its use is deeply rooted in Japanese social organization. From schools to companies, the idea of dividing tasks into shifts is a common practice that facilitates group management.

How and when to use 当番 in daily life

In Japan, the concept of 当番 goes beyond a simple division of tasks. It reflects a collective mindset, where everyone has their role to fulfill for the good of the group. Therefore, it is common to hear phrases like "Who is responsible for cleaning today?"

In addition to the school environment, the term appears in situations such as work rotations, medical shifts, and even community events. Knowing when and how to use this word can help not only in communication but also in understanding certain aspects of Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 当直 (Tōchoku) - Night shift, on-call
• 値番 (Chiban) - Value number, value position
• 番番 (Banban) - Various types of assigned tasks, orders
• 番回り (Banmawari) - Shift rotation, round
• 番頭 (Bantō) - Team leader, supervisor
• 交代番 (Kōtaiban) - Alternating shift, shift change
• 番付け (Banzuke) - Ranking list, assignment of positions
• 番手 (Bante) - Order of presentation, order of task
• 番役 (Ban'yaku) - Task assignment, designated role
• 番人 (Bannin) - Guard, watchman
• 番兵 (Banpei) - Guard soldier
• 番衆 (Banshu) - Designated group, waiting team
• 番号 (Bango) - Number, code
• 番組 (Bangumi) - Program (TV, radio)
• 番犬 (Banken) - Guard dog
• 番茶 (Banja) - Low-cost tea, common tea
• 番外 (Bangai) - Extra, special (out of the ordinary)
• 番長 (Banchō) - Gang leader, usually of juvenile delinquency
• 番場 (Banba) - Designated location, waiting point
• 番目 (Banme) - Order, position (in a sequence)
• 番目の人 (Banme no hito) - Person in the indicated position (n)
• 番目の客 (Banme no kyaku) - Client in the indicated position (n)

当番

Romaji: touban
Kana: とうばん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: on duty

Meaning in English: being on duty

Definition: Take on a designated role or responsibility at a particular time or place.

Example Sentences - (当番) touban

See below some example sentences:

私は今日当番です。

Watashi wa kyou touban desu

I'm in charge of the shift today.

I'm on duty today.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 今日 - Japanese noun meaning "today"
• 当番 - Japanese noun meaning "on duty", "on duty"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present indicative.