Translation and Meaning of: 職場 - shokuba

The Japanese word 職場[しょくば] is essential for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It describes a specific location, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in daily life, and its importance in the Japanese professional context. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese perceive the work environment, this text will clarify your doubts.

In addition to explaining the meaning of 職場, we will cover its origin, writing in kanji, and practical usage examples. If you want to memorize this word efficiently or understand how it appears in real conversations, keep reading. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered accurate information to help you master this term once and for all.

Meaning and usage of 職場 in everyday Japanese.

職場 is composed of the kanjis 職 (work, occupation) and 場 (place, location), forming the idea of "workplace." In Japan, this term is widely used to refer to the professional environment, whether it's an office, factory, store, or any space where people perform their duties. Unlike Portuguese, which has variations like "trabalho" or "emprego," Japanese uses this word in a more concrete manner.

The concept of 職場 goes beyond the physical location. It carries a notion of collectivity and hierarchy, reflecting important values in Japanese society. When someone says "今日は職場に行きます" (today I’m going to work), they are referring not only to the space but also to the relationships and responsibilities that exist there. This term often appears in conversations about routine, work complaints, and even discussions about the balance between personal and professional life.

Origin and writing of the kanjis 職場

The combination of 職 and 場 is not random. The first kanji, 職, represents work, duty, or occupation, and is formed by the radical 耳 (ear) combined with 戠 (mark, register). Historically, this refers to the idea of "hearing orders" or "recording tasks," reflecting the relationship between work and hierarchy. On the other hand, 場, which means place, comes from the radical 土 (earth) with 昜 (expand), suggesting a defined space for activities.

This composition reveals how the Japanese language constructs meanings from visual elements. While in Portuguese we use words like "trabalho" or "escritório," which do not clearly show their origin, Japanese allows for this deeper analysis. To memorize 職場, a tip is to associate the kanjis with the image of a place (場) where a profession (職) is exercised. This visual technique helps students to retain the term more easily.

The cultural importance of 職場 in Japanese society

In Japan, the 職場 is not just where one works – it is a space that defines part of social identity. Unlike some Western cultures, where work and personal life are seen as separate spheres, the Japanese often view the workplace as an extension of their social group. This explains why expressions like "職場の仲間" (work colleagues) carry more emotional weight than the simple translation suggests.

This term also appears in contemporary discussions about mental health and the work journey in Japan. With the popularization of concepts like "ブラック企業" (black companies), the word 職場 has gained new contexts, being used to describe both positive and toxic environments. To understand modern Japanese society, it is essential to grasp the nuances behind this seemingly simple word.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 職場 (shokuba) - Workplace; environment where the person performs their duties.
• 勤務先 (kinmusaki) - Job or place where one works, usually refers to the company or organization.
• 仕事場 (shigotoba) - Workplace; specifically the physical space where work takes place.
• 職場環境 (shokuba kankyou) - Work environment; refers to the conditions and atmosphere of the workplace.
• 職場内 (shokuba nai) - Inside the workplace; refers to what happens internally during working hours.

職場

Romaji: shokuba
Kana: しょくば
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: your post; workplace; workplace

Meaning in English: one's post;place of work;workplace

Definition: A place where workers work together.

Example Sentences - (職場) shokuba

See below some example sentences:

私の職場はとても忙しいです。

Watashi no shokuba wa totemo isogashii desu

My workplace is very busy.

My workplace is very busy.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 職場 (shokuba) - noun meaning "workplace"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 忙しい (isogashii) - adjective meaning "busy" or "agitated"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence