Translation guide
Expresses the state of being on duty, working a shift, or being responsible for a task during a specific time. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are a security guard, nurse, office worker, or just 'in charge' of something.
To say that someone is currently on duty, working their scheduled shift, especially in jobs like security, nursing, or reception.
Refers to being on duty, especially for night shifts or round-the-clock roles like doctors, nurses, or security guards. Often used in compound nouns like 当直医 (doctor on duty).
今夜は当直です。
I'm on duty tonight.
Means 'on duty' or 'at work' in a general sense. Used for any job, from office workers to police officers. Often seen on signs or in formal contexts.
彼は今、勤務中です。
He is on duty right now.
Means being on duty or having a turn for a specific task, often in a rotating schedule. Common for chores, cleaning, or monitoring.
今日は私が掃除当番です。
I'm on cleaning duty today.
Specifically means night duty where you stay overnight at the workplace, like a night watchman or a doctor on call who sleeps at the hospital.
宿直の警備員が巡回している。
The night-duty security guard is patrolling.
To express that someone is the person responsible for a task, equipment, or area at a given time.
Attach to a noun to indicate the person in charge of that thing. Very common in workplaces.
今日の電話担当は誰ですか？
Who's on phone duty today?
Means 'person in charge' or 'responsible person'. More formal and implies authority, not just a shift.
このプロジェクトの責任者は田中さんです。
Tanaka-san is in charge of this project.
To refer to being on sentry duty, guard duty, or military watch.
Means sentry or guard duty, specifically a soldier standing watch. Literary or military context.
歩哨に立つ。
To stand guard duty.
General term for security or guarding. Can be used for both military and civilian contexts.
警備につく。
To go on guard duty.
当直 (とうちょく) is specifically for shift-based duty, often involving staying overnight or being on call (doctors, nurses, security). 勤務中 (きんむちゅう) simply means 'during work hours' and applies to any job.
English 'on duty' often becomes a noun or a compound in Japanese. Avoid literal translations like 義務の上 (ぎむのうえ). Use the appropriate term for the context.