Translation and Meaning of: 勤め - tsutome

The Japanese word 勤め [つとめ] is a term that carries profound and everyday meanings, especially related to work and duty. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, understanding the use and context of this expression can be essential. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japan, as well as practical tips for memorization and correct usage.

In addition to being a common word in Japanese vocabulary, 勤め reflects important values of society, such as responsibility and commitment. Let's uncover its details, from the kanji writing to examples of how it appears in real situations. Whether to enrich your knowledge or to apply in conversations, this guide will help you master this term in a natural way.

Meaning and use of 勤め [つとめ]

The term 勤め is often translated as "work" or "duty," but its meaning goes beyond that. It is associated with an obligation or role that someone fulfills, whether in a job, in an organization, or even in a family context. Unlike words like 仕事 [しごと], which refer more to the work itself, 勤め carries a nuance of ongoing commitment.

A classic example is the expression 会社に勤める [かいしゃにつとめる], which means "to work for a company." Here, the idea is not just to perform tasks, but to have an employment relationship or an established responsibility. This type of usage shows how the word is connected to a lasting relationship, and not just to one-off activities.

Origin and writing of the kanji 勤め

The kanji 勤 is composed of two main elements: the radical 力 [ちから], which means "strength," and the component 堇 [きん], which used to represent "effort" or "hard work." Together, they form an ideogram that reflects the idea of dedicating energy to a task or obligation. This construction helps to understand why the word is so closely related to concepts like duty and perseverance.

It is worth noting that 勤め can also be written only in hiragana (つとめ), especially in informal contexts or when the kanji is too complex for the target audience, such as in materials for children. However, the kanji version is the most common in formal and professional texts, reinforcing its connection to the world of work.

Tips for memorizing and using 勤め correctly

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with routine situations. For example, think of sentences like 毎日会社に勤めています [まいにちかいしゃにつとめています] – "I work at a company every day". Repeating this type of construction in real contexts helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the nuance of commitment that the word carries.

Another tip is to observe the use of 勤め in dramas or animes that portray the Japanese corporate environment. It often appears in dialogues about career, responsibilities, or even conflicts between personal and professional life. This natural exposure to the term makes understanding and applying it in daily life easier.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 仕事 (shigoto) - Work, task, or occupation in general.
• 職 (shoku) - Specific job or work position.
• 職業 (shokugyou) - Vocation or career; a person's occupation.
• 職務 (shokumu) - Responsibilities or duties associated with a position.
• 務め (tsutome) - Duty or obligation; usually related to a role played.
• 勤務 (kinmu) - Service or work at a specific time or location.
• 就業 (shūgyō) - Activity of being employed or working in a job.

勤め

Romaji: tsutome
Kana: つとめ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: service; duty; business; Buddhist religious services

Meaning in English: service;duty;business;Buddhist religious services

Definition: Work. To do the job.

Example Sentences - (勤め) tsutome

See below some example sentences:

私はこの会社で勤めています。

Watashi wa kono kaisha de tsutomete imasu

I work at this company.

I work for this company.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• この (kono) - demonstrative adjective meaning "this"
• 会社 (kaisha) - noun meaning "company"
• で (de) - particle indicating the place where the action takes place, in this case "in the company"
• 勤めています (tsutomete imasu) - verb meaning "to work" in the present continuous tense