Translation guide
The English phrase 'at work' can refer to being physically present at one's workplace, being engaged in work activities, or describing something that is functioning or in effect. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that someone is physically at their job location (office, store, etc.)
Literally 'in the middle of work', this is the most common way to say someone is at work and currently working. It emphasizes being engaged in work rather than just location.
彼は今、仕事中です。
He is at work right now.
Please don't call me while I'm at work.
Means 'to be at the workplace'. More focused on physical location than the act of working. Suitable when you want to emphasize presence at the office or job site.
彼はまだ職場にいますか？
Is he still at work?
Specifically 'at the company/office'. Use when the workplace is a company office. Common in business contexts.
今日は一日中会社にいます。
I'll be at work all day today.
Formal term meaning 'on duty' or 'during working hours'. Used in official contexts or for shift workers.
勤務中は私用電話は禁止です。
Personal calls are prohibited while at work.
Describing the state of working, possibly remotely or without specifying location
The most straightforward way to say 'working'. Can be used regardless of location. Often implies being busy with work tasks.
今、仕事をしているので、後でかけ直します。
I'm at work right now, so I'll call you back later.
Means 'working' in a general sense. Can refer to being employed or actively laboring. Slightly more physical or effort-oriented than 仕事をしている.
彼は朝からずっと働いている。
He's been at work since morning.
Describing that a device, mechanism, or abstract thing is working/active
Means 'in operation' or 'running'. Used for machines, engines, systems. Not for people.
エアコンが作動中です。
The air conditioner is at work.
Means 'functioning' or 'operating'. Can be used for both concrete and abstract things like plans or systems.
新しいシステムが機能している。
The new system is at work.
Also used for inanimate things to mean 'functioning' or 'doing its job'. Common in everyday speech.
この時計はまだ働いている。
This clock is still at work.
Describing that something like gravity, time, or a principle is actively influencing a situation
Means 'acting on' or 'exerting influence'. Used for forces, chemicals, psychological factors.
重力が常に作用している。
Gravity is constantly at work.
Again, versatile for abstract forces. 'Time is at work' can be 時間が働いている.
時間が味方に働いている。
Time is at work in our favor.
English 'at work' is often mistakenly translated as 仕事で (shigoto de). This means 'by work' or 'through work' (instrumental), not 'at the workplace'. For example, 仕事で疲れた means 'tired from work', not 'tired at work'.
仕事中 (shigotochuu) emphasizes being in the middle of working, while 職場にいる (shokuba ni iru) simply states physical presence. If you say 職場にいる, you might be on a break; 仕事中 implies you are busy.
今、仕事中なので話せません。
I can't talk right now; I'm at work.
彼は職場に携帯を忘れた。
He left his phone at work.