Translation and Meaning of: 共稼ぎ - tomokasegi

The word 「共稼ぎ」 (tomokasegi) refers to a scenario where both partners in a couple work and contribute financially to the family. Etymologically, the word results from the combination of two components: 「共」 (tomo), which means "together" or "with," and 「稼ぎ」 (kasegi), derived from the verb 「稼ぐ」 (kasegu), which means "to work" or "to earn money." The combined use of these characters constructs the idea of mutual cooperation in economic terms.

The origin of this term is quite contemporary and reflects significant social changes in Japan. Traditionally, Japanese society had more rigid gender roles, where the man was generally the provider of the family while the woman took care of the home. However, with modernization and the increasing need for dual incomes in many families, the practice of 「共稼ぎ」 became more common. This phenomenon began to gain strength especially after World War II, with the growing inclusion of women in the workforce.

In the modern context, 「共稼ぎ」 represents not only a shift in family roles but also an economic and social adaptation. This change has implications in various aspects of family life, influencing everything from daily dynamics to important decisions like children's education and retirement. In many large cities, the high cost of living has made the practice of 「共稼ぎ」 almost a necessity to achieve a certain standard of living. Furthermore, the increase in this practice is correlated with the pursuit of greater gender equality in the workplace.

Variations of the word are used to describe different work arrangements. For example, 「共稼ぎ世帯」 (tomokasegi setai) refers to a "dual-income household." There are related terms that explore nuances of this family arrangement, highlighting how language evolves to keep pace with social changes. However, despite the growing familiarity with the dual-income setup, there are still cultural and structural challenges faced by couples 「共稼ぎ」, such as the need for better family support policies and workplace flexibility.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 二人稼ぎ (Futari Kazagi) - Income generated by two people, usually a couple.
• 夫婦共稼ぎ (Fūfu Tomokasegi) - Couple contributing jointly to the family income.
• 家計を支える (Kakei o Tasaeru) - Support the family budget by contributing economically.
• 両立する (Ryōritsu suru) - Balancing different responsibilities, such as work and family.
• 二重収入 (Nijū Shūnyū) - Two sources of income, usually referring to couples who work.

共稼ぎ

Romaji: tomokasegi
Kana: ともかせぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: working together; (husband and wife) earning a living together

Meaning in English: working together;(husband and wife) earning a living together

Definition: Couples and partners work together to earn income.

Example Sentences - (共稼ぎ) tomokasegi

See below some example sentences:

共稼ぎは夫婦の力を合わせることが大切です。

Kyōkasegi wa fuufu no chikara wo awaseru koto ga taisetsu desu

Dual income is important for couples to combine their strengths.

It is important to combine the power of the couple to make money.

• 共稼ぎ (kyoukasegi) - It means "work together" or "teamwork".
• 夫婦 (fuufu) - means "couple" or "husband and wife".
• 力 (chikara) - significa "força" ou "poder".
• 合わせる (awaseru) - means "to join" or "to unite".
• こと (koto) - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and is being used as a direct or indirect object.
• 大切 (taisetsu) - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です (desu) - It is a toK3N that indicates that the sentence is a declaration or affirmation.