Translation guide
In Japanese, 'remote work' is commonly expressed with loanwords or native terms. The most natural and widely used term is リモートワーク, but テレワーク is also very common, especially in formal or corporate contexts. There are also native Japanese expressions like 在宅勤務 (working from home) and more specific terms for satellite offices or mobile work.
remote work
Most common and natural term in everyday Japanese.
telework
Slightly more formal, often used in official contexts.
The general concept of working remotely, not necessarily from home, using technology.
Loanword from English 'remote work'. Very common in everyday conversation and business. Casual and widely understood.
Recently, remote work has increased.
Loanword from 'telework'. Slightly more formal than リモートワーク, often used in government and corporate policies.
Emphasizing that the work is done at home, not just remotely.
Working remotely but not from home, often at a shared office near home.
Working at a satellite office. Used in corporate contexts when a company provides smaller offices away from the main headquarters.
Working from anywhere, not tied to a specific location.
Working using mobile devices, often while traveling or from various locations. Less common than リモートワーク but used in tech contexts.
リモートワーク is the most general and casual term for remote work. テレワーク is often used in formal or policy contexts, and can imply a broader range of telecommunication-based work. 在宅勤務 specifically means working from home and is more formal. In everyday conversation, リモートワーク is the safest choice.
I prefer remote work.
The company is promoting telework.
Literally 'working from home'. Specifically refers to working from one's residence. More formal than リモートワーク, often used in official contexts.
I'm using the work-from-home system.
A mix of Japanese and English, meaning 'work from home'. More casual than 在宅勤務, often used for freelancing or side jobs.
I earn income through working from home.
Very casual, cute-sounding term for working from home. Often used in social media or among friends.
I'm working from home again today.
Working at a satellite office has shortened my commute.
Coworking space. Often used by freelancers or remote workers who need a professional environment outside home.
I work at a coworking space.
I set up an environment where I can do mobile work.
From 'nomad work'. Refers to a lifestyle of working while traveling. Trendy term, often used by digital nomads.
I admire the nomad work lifestyle.
I'm looking for a job that allows remote work.
The government aims to promote telework.
On work-from-home days, I don't have to commute.
リモートワーク is a loanword and fits naturally into Japanese sentences. You can use it with verbs like する (to do), できる (can do), or 増える (increase). It's understood by all generations.
I'll work remotely today.
Our company introduced remote work last year.
Remote work has become common.