Translation and Meaning of: 同僚 - douryou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 同僚[どうりょう]. It is common in the corporate environment and in daily life, but do you know exactly what it means and how to use it correctly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as practical tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to master the Japanese language.

The meaning of 同僚 is "colleague" and it is used to refer to a person who works with you, typically at the same workplace.

The word 同僚 refers to a "coworker" or "professional colleague." Unlike terms like 仲間 (nakama), which can mean "friend" or "partner" in a broader sense, 同僚 is specifically used for people who work in the same company or team. It carries a neutral tone, without any hierarchical connotation, and can be applied to both superiors and subordinates, as long as they share the same professional environment.

In Japan, where the work environment is highly valued, this word often appears in formal and informal conversations. For example, in sentences like "同僚とランチを食べた" (I had lunch with my colleague), it demonstrates a professional relationship without necessarily indicating emotional closeness. Its use is more common in offices, but it can also be employed in other work contexts.

Origin and composition of the kanjis of 同僚

The word 同僚 is composed of two kanji: 同 (dō), which means "equal" or "same," and 僚 (ryō), which refers to "companion" or "associate." Together, they form the concept of "a person who shares the same workspace." This combination is ancient and reflects the importance of hierarchical and collaborative relationships in Japanese society.

It is worth noting that the kanji 僚 also appears in other words related to professional groups, such as 官僚 (kanryō – bureaucrat) and 僚友 (ryōyū – close colleague). However, 同僚 is the most everyday and widely recognized form to refer to coworkers, without carrying very specific or overly formal nuances.

Tips for memorizing and using 同僚 correctly

An effective way to reinforce 同僚 is to associate it with real situations in the corporate environment. If you have worked or interned before, think about how you refer to your colleagues in Portuguese and try to mentally replace it with the Japanese word. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "同僚とプロジェクトを完成させた" (I completed the project with my colleague) to practice usage in context.

Additionally, pay attention to the tone of the conversation. While 同僚 (dōryō) is neutral and safe for most situations, in more informal environments, Japanese people may prefer terms like 会社の人 (kaisha no hito – "company person") or even the English loanword コワーカー (kowākā – "coworker"). Knowing when to choose each of these terms can make a difference in your fluency.