Translation and Meaning of: 働き - hataraki

The Japanese word 「働き」 (hataraki) traces back to the cultural and linguistic roots of the Japanese language, offering a multifaceted view of the concept of work and function. 「働き」 is composed of the kanji 「働」 which integrates the radical 「亻」 (ninben), symbolizing person or human, and the radical 「動」 (ugoku), which means to move or action. Thus, the etymology of 「働き」 suggests a movement or action performed by a person, closely aligning with the act of working.

In the semantic scope, 「働き」 encompasses several dimensions associated with work. The expression can refer to the physical act of work, the social function or role of an individual in a specific context, as well as denoting the effectiveness or result of this work. Linguistically, it is rooted in the verb 「働く」 (hataraku), which means to work or to operate. This verb is central in contexts that discuss occupation, productivity, and labor dynamics.

The origin of the word is rooted in the linguistic history of Japan, reflecting changes in the economy and society over the centuries. During the Meiji period, for example, when Japan underwent rapid industrialization, the concept of 「働き」 evolved to encompass not just manual labor, but also activities related to intellectual and administrative tasks. This evolution highlights the adaptability and richness of the Japanese language in encapsulating varying ideas about work.

Variants and Use

• Verbais: The verb "働く" (hataraku) describes the action of working.
• Relacionadas: 「働き者」 (hatarakimono) refers to a hardworking person.
• Abstratas: 「働きかけ」 (hatarakikake) means an approach or initiative.

Additionally, 「働き」 is also present in idiomatic and cultural expressions that reflect Japan's unique relationship with the concept of work. The word encompasses a range of meanings that go beyond the conventional scope of work, becoming an essential component for understanding Japanese culture and mindset regarding human efforts and social contribution.

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