Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'physical work' is expressed through several words that emphasize different aspects: manual labor, physical tasks, or the effort involved. The most common and versatile term is 肉体労働 (nikutai roudou), which directly translates to 'physical labor' and is used in formal and everyday contexts. Other options include 力仕事 (chikara shigoto) for tasks requiring strength, and 作業 (sagyou) for general manual work or operations. The choice depends on the nuance: whether you're referring to a job, a specific task, or the nature of the work.
Referring to work that primarily involves physical effort, often as a job category (e.g., construction, farming).
The standard term for 'physical labor' or 'manual labor' as a type of work. It is neutral and widely understood.
彼は肉体労働で生計を立てている。
He makes a living doing physical work.
肉体労働は精神的にも大変だ。
Physical work is mentally tough as well.
Emphasizes work that requires physical strength, like lifting or carrying. Often used for specific tasks rather than a job category.
引っ越しは力仕事が多い。
Moving involves a lot of physical work.
Means 'heavy labor' or 'hard physical work', often with a nuance of being demanding or grueling.
この仕事は重労働だが、やりがいがある。
This job is hard physical work, but it's rewarding.
Referring to hands-on work, often in a technical or practical context (e.g., assembly, repair, fieldwork).
A broad term for 'work' or 'operations', often manual. It can refer to physical tasks in factories, construction, or even desk work, but context usually implies hands-on activity.
この作業は体力が必要だ。
This work requires physical strength.
現場での作業は危険を伴う。
On-site work involves danger.
Specifically 'manual work' done by hand, as opposed to machine work. Often used in crafting or detailed tasks.
Focusing on the physical aspect of work, often in contrast to mental effort.
A natural phrase meaning 'work that uses the body'. It's a common, everyday way to describe physical work without technical terms.
デスクワークより体を使う仕事の方が好きだ。
I prefer physical work over desk work.
Also used in this sense, but slightly more formal. See above.
肉体労働は健康に良い。
Physical work is good for your health.
肉体労働 (nikutai roudou) is the most direct translation for 'physical work' as a job category. 力仕事 (chikara shigoto) emphasizes strength and is often used for specific tasks. 作業 (sagyou) is a broader term for operations or manual work, not necessarily strenuous. Use 肉体労働 when talking about occupations, 力仕事 for tasks requiring muscle, and 作業 for general hands-on activities.
彼は肉体労働者だ。
He is a manual laborer.
この箱を運ぶのは力仕事だ。
Carrying this box is physical work.
工場での作業は単調だ。
The work at the factory is monotonous.
The phrase '物理的な仕事' (butsuriteki na shigoto) is a literal translation that sounds unnatural and refers to 'physical' in the scientific sense (physics), not bodily labor. Always use the terms above.
物理的な仕事
physical work (incorrect, means physics-related work)
This process is done entirely by manual work.