Translation guide
How to express the state of being physically present at one's workplace or being on duty in Japanese.
Expressing that someone is currently at their place of work, such as an office, store, or factory.
A natural way to say 'I am at work' or 'I am working' when you are currently at your workplace and on duty. It implies you are in the middle of work.
今、仕事中です。
I'm at work right now.
彼は仕事中だから、後で電話します。
He's at work, so I'll call later.
Expressing that someone is currently working their scheduled shift, especially in service or shift-based jobs.
Means 'on duty' or 'at work'. Used for scheduled work hours, especially in formal or service contexts like police, hospitals, or retail.
申し訳ありませんが、ただいま勤務中です。
I'm sorry, but I'm currently on duty.
Referring to the condition of having a job, rather than being physically present at work.
Means 'I am working' in the sense of being employed. It can also mean 'I am at work' depending on context, but primarily indicates employment status.
今は東京で働いています。
I'm working in Tokyo now.
The English phrase 'being at work' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as '仕事にいる' is unnatural. Instead, use phrases that match the intended meaning: physical presence, being on duty, or employment status.
Both mean 'at work', but 仕事中 (しごとちゅう) is more general and can be used in casual and business settings. 勤務中 (きんむちゅう) is more formal and often used for scheduled duty, such as by police officers, nurses, or security guards.
Literally 'I am at the workplace.' More formal and emphasizes the physical location rather than the activity of working.
ただいま職場にいます。
I am currently at my workplace.
Used when the workplace is a company office. '会社' means 'company' or 'office'. Very common in business contexts.
今日は一日中会社にいます。
I'll be at the office all day today.
Means 'I am at work' in the sense of having gone to work and being present. Often used in formal or written contexts to indicate attendance.
本日は出勤しています。
I am at work today.
Means 'I'm on duty' or 'it's my shift'. Common in contexts like cleaning duty, security, or hospital shifts.
今日は私が当番です。
I'm on duty today.
Used for part-time or shift work, meaning 'I'm on my shift'. Very common in casual conversation.
今週はずっとシフトに入っています。
I'm on shift all this week.
Literally 'I am doing work'. Can mean 'I have a job' or 'I am working'. Context determines if it refers to employment or current activity.
彼はITの仕事をしています。
He works in IT.
Means 'I am employed' or 'I have a job'. More formal and often used when discussing employment status after job hunting.
大学を卒業して、すぐに就職しました。
I got a job right after graduating from university.