Translation guide
A person who works excessively and finds it hard to stop. In Japanese, this is often expressed with the loanword ワーカホリック or native terms like 仕事人間. The concept is culturally significant, with 過労死 (death from overwork) being a recognized social issue.
Describing someone who prioritizes work above all else, often to the detriment of their health or personal life.
Referring to the condition or behavior of working excessively.
In Japan, excessive work is a serious social issue. Terms like 過労死 (karōshi) are not used lightly. When discussing workaholism, be mindful of the context and avoid glorifying overwork.
A common, natural term for a person whose life revolves around work. Literally 'work human'. It carries a slightly negative nuance of being one-dimensional.
彼は完全な仕事人間で、週末もずっと働いている。
He's a total workaholic, working even on weekends.
The direct loanword from English. Widely understood, especially in business contexts, but slightly less common in everyday speech than 仕事人間.
ワーカホリックの人は、休みの取り方を忘れがちだ。
Workaholics tend to forget how to take time off.
Literally 'work addiction'. A more clinical or dramatic term, less common in casual conversation.
働き中毒の症状として、休むことに罪悪感を覚える。
As a symptom of work addiction, one feels guilty about resting.
A common phrase meaning 'work addiction'. Used to describe the condition rather than the person.
仕事中毒になると、家族との時間が減ってしまう。
When you become a workaholic, you end up spending less time with your family.
Means 'overwork' or 'excessive labor'. Often used in formal contexts, such as 過労死 (death from overwork).
過労が原因で体調を崩した。
I got sick from overwork.