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.)
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.
Is he still at work?
Specifically 'at the company/office'. Use when the workplace is a company office. Common in business contexts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The air conditioner is at work.
Means 'functioning' or 'operating'. Can be used for both concrete and abstract things like plans or systems.
The new system is at work.
Also used for inanimate things to mean 'functioning' or 'doing its job'. Common in everyday speech.
This clock is still at work.
Describing that something like gravity, time, or a principle is actively influencing a situation
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.
I can't talk right now; I'm at work.
He left his phone at work.