Translation and Meaning of: 働き - hataraki

The Japanese word 働き (はたらき, hataraki) is a fundamental term in everyday life in Japan, carrying meanings that range from "work" to "functioning" or "action." If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding this word can open doors to understanding social values and even common expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical uses, and how it relates to the Japanese cultural context.

Meaning and Translation of 働き

働き can be translated in various ways depending on the context. The most common meaning is "work" or "action," but it can also signify "functioning" (as in machines) or even "contribution" (in a social sense). For example, the phrase 彼の働きは素晴らしい (kare no hataraki wa subarashii) can mean "His work is excellent" or "His contribution is remarkable."

It is important to note that 働き is not limited to paid work. It can also refer to voluntary efforts, natural actions (such as the functioning of the body), or even the role of something in a larger system. This versatility means that the word appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to technical texts.

Origin and Writing in Kanji

The kanji 働 is composed of two elements: the radical 人 (person) and the component 動 (movement). This combination suggests the idea of "human action" or "work done by people." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, but in Japan, the character has gained a more specific meaning related to labor and productivity.

It is worth noting that 働き is often used in compound words, such as 働き者 (hatarakimono, "diligent worker") or 働き蜂 (hatarakibachi, "worker bee"). These expressions reinforce the association of the word with effort and efficiency, values highly respected in Japanese society.

Cultural Use and Social Context

In Japan, 働き is deeply linked to work ethic and the concept of collective contribution. Companies and schools often emphasize the importance of 働き甲斐 (hatarakigai), which means "value or purpose in work." This term reflects the pursuit of meaningful work, something that goes beyond the salary.

Furthermore, the word appears in discussions about work-life balance, such as in the term 働き方改革 (hatarakikata kaikaku), which refers to reforms in working conditions. This shows how 働き is not just a word, but a concept that influences policies and social habits in Japan.

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Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 労働 (Roudou) - Work, effort; usually associated with physical or hard labor.
• 仕事 (Shigoto) - Work, occupation; encompasses professional activities and tasks in general.
• 勤務 (Kinmu) - Service, work at a specific location; often refers to work in an organization or company.
• 職業 (Shokugyou) - Profession, occupation; indicates the type of work a person does in terms of career.
• 就業 (Shuugyou) - Employment, entry into the labor market; refers to the act of being employed or working.

働き

Romaji: hataraki
Kana: はたらき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Work; functioning; activity; skill; talent; role; work; action; operation; movement; conjugation; inflection; accomplishment.

Meaning in English: work;workings;activity;ability;talent;function;labor;action;operation;movement;motion;conjugation;inflection;achievement

Definition: To carry out a job or activity.

Example Sentences - (働き) hataraki

See below some example sentences:

働きが大切です。

Hataraki ga taisetsu desu

Working is important.

Work is important.

• 働き (hataraki) - work, employment
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

働きは人生の重要な要素です。

Hataraki wa jinsei no juuyou na youso desu

Work is an important element in life.

Work is an important factor in life.

• 働き - work
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人生 - life
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 重要な - important
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私たちは共働き家庭です。

Watashitachi wa kyoudouki katei desu

We are a double -income family.

We are a family of double workers.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 共働き - "Working together" or "double job" in Japanese, referring to a couple who both work outside the home
• 家庭 - "Family" in Japanese
• です - "It is" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement