Translation and Meaning of: 共働き - tomobataraki

The Japanese word 共働き (ともばたらき) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries deep meanings about society and daily life in Japan. If you've ever wondered what it means, how it originated, or in what contexts it is used, this article will clarify everything. Let's explore from its literal translation to its cultural impact, including practical tips for memorization and real-life usage examples.

In addition to being a common term in discussions about family and work in Japan, 共働き reflects important social changes. Whether for Japanese language students or those curious about Japanese culture, understanding this word goes beyond vocabulary – it is a window into contemporary values. Here at Suki Nihongo, we prioritize accurate and helpful explanations, so get ready to discover even how this expression appears in everyday conversations.

Meaning and usage of 共働き

共働き translates literally as "dual-income" and describes families where both spouses work outside the home. Unlike similar terms in other languages, this Japanese expression carries specific nuances about the division of responsibilities. It emerged in the post-war period when female participation in the workforce significantly increased in the country.

In everyday life, phrases like 「共働きの夫婦は忙しい」 (Couples where both work are busy) are heard. The word frequently appears in articles about work-life balance. It is worth noting that, although common, its use is not neutral – many discussions about gender equality in Japan stem from this concept.

Cultural and Social Context

Traditional Japan valued the family model with the man as the provider and the woman taking care of the home. 共働き represents a break from this pattern, reflecting economic and social transformations. Government data shows that more than 60% of Japanese couples today fall into this category, a number that grows every decade.

Interestingly, even though it is common, many still associate 共働き with challenges such as a lack of daycare facilities and long working hours. This tension between reality and expectations even appears in TV dramas, where characters often debate the pros and cons of the arrangement. To understand contemporary Japanese society, grasping these layers of the term is essential.

Tips for memorization

An effective way to remember 共働き is to break down its kanjis: 共 (together) + 働き (work). Associating this mental image of "working together" helps with retention. Another technique is to link the term to real statistics – knowing that most Japanese couples are 共働き creates a concrete anchor in memory.

Practicing with authentic examples also helps. Try to identify the term in reports about the Japanese job market or in everyday scenes in dramas. This real context reinforces learning much more than isolated repetition. Remember: in Japanese, understanding the cultural background behind the words is just as important as memorizing their meaning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 共稼ぎ (Tomobataraki) - Couple that works together, both contributing to the income.
• 両親共働き (Ryoushin Tomobataraki) - Both parents working together, contributing to the family income.

共働き

Romaji: tomobataraki
Kana: ともばたらき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: double income

Meaning in English: dual income

Definition: A situation in which both spouses or partners work.

Example Sentences - (共働き) tomobataraki

See below some example sentences:

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