Translation and Meaning of: 事務 - jimu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 事務[じむ]. It appears frequently in corporate environments, documents, and even in animes that portray office life. But what exactly does this term mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday usage, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

The term 事務 is composed of two kanjis and carries important nuances for those who want to understand Japanese in formal contexts. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to prepare for professional situations, knowing this word can be extremely useful. Let's unveil its details in a clear and practical way.

Meaning and use of 事務 in everyday life

Literally translated, 事務 means "administrative matters" or "bureaucratic work." It is used to refer to office-related tasks, such as document organization, data processing, and other similar activities. Japanese companies usually have departments called 事務所[じむしょ], which are the sectors responsible for these functions.

Unlike Portuguese, where "administrativo" can encompass everything from customer service to team management, 事務 has a more specific scope. It focuses on operational support activities such as filing, typing, and record keeping. If you see this word in a job advertisement, for example, know that the position will likely involve this type of responsibility.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The first kanji, 事, means "thing" or "matter," while the second, 務, carries the sense of "duty" or "task." Together, they form the idea of "issues that must be resolved," which makes perfect sense considering the context in which the word is applied. This combination is a classic example of how kanjis come together to create more complex terms.

It is worth noting that 務 also appears in other words related to work, such as 業務[ぎょうむ] (professional tasks) and 義務[ぎむ] (obligation). Recognizing these connections can aid in memorization, as the common radical among them makes it easier to identify patterns in Japanese vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 事務 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of office scenes: piles of paper, computers, quick meetings. This visual exercise creates a mental anchor that makes the word easier to remember. Another strategy is to practice with phrases like 事務作業[じむさぎょう] (administrative work), which frequently appear in professional materials.

Avoid confusing 事務 with terms like 仕事[しごと] (general work) or 作業[さぎょう] (operational task). While the latter have a broader meaning, 事務 is specific to bureaucratic activities. Paying attention to these details will make a difference when communicating accurately in formal settings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 事務所 (jimusho) - office
• 事務局 (jimu-kyoku) - Secretariat / Administrative office
• 事務室 (jimu-shitsu) - Sala administrativa
• 事務センター (jimu-sentā) - Administration Center
• 事務部 (jimu-bu) - Administrative department

事務

Romaji: jimu
Kana: じむ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: business; office work

Meaning in English: business;office work

Definition: Administrative work: Refers to the business and general affairs of organizations and individuals.

Example Sentences - (事務) jimu

See below some example sentences:

事務を担当しています。

Jimu wo tantou shiteimasu

I am in charge of administrative tasks.

I'm in charge of office work.

• 事務 - means "administrative work" or "office".
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 担当 - means "responsible for" or "in charge of".
• しています - polite form of the verb "to do" in Japanese, indicating present continuous action.