Translation guide
The English word 'working' can refer to employment, functionality, or the process of labor. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To say that someone is employed or has a job.
The most common way to say someone is working (as in employed). It literally means 'is working' and implies ongoing employment.
He is working at a bank.
Are you working now?
Literally 'doing a job', this is also very common and can be used interchangeably with 働いている, though it may emphasize the act of performing work.
She is working in IT.
Means 'to be employed at' a specific company or organization. More formal than 働いている.
I am working at Toyota.
Means 'to have found employment' or 'to be employed', often used in the context of having secured a job after job hunting.
He is finally working (has a job).
To say that a machine, device, or system is functioning or in operation.
Literally 'is moving', this is the most common way to say something is working (functioning).
The air conditioner is not working.
This clock is still working.
Means 'is functioning' and is slightly more formal or technical. Often used for systems or organs.
The system is working normally.
Means 'is in operation', used for machines, devices, or mechanisms. More technical than 動いている.
The safety device is working.
To say that someone is currently engaged in work or a task.
A common phrase meaning 'in the middle of work' or 'at work'. Often used to indicate you are busy working.
I'm working right now, so I'll call you later.
Means 'in the middle of work/operations', often used for manual or technical work, or when a machine is processing.
We are currently working on maintenance.
Means 'to be working on' a task or problem, implying effort and engagement.
To describe the time or conditions related to work.
Refers to work duty or service, often used in compounds like 勤務時間 (working hours) or 勤務先 (place of work).
Working hours are from 9 to 5.
Means 'labor', often used in contexts like labor unions, working conditions, or physical work.
Formal term for employment or work, used in phrases like 就業時間 (working hours) or 就業規則 (work regulations).
To describe a provisional or temporary arrangement that is functioning.
Means 'temporary' or 'provisional', used in phrases like 仮の措置 (temporary measure) or 仮の宿 (temporary lodging).
This is a working solution.
Means 'tentative' or 'provisional', often used in formal contexts like 暫定予算 (provisional budget) or 暫定措置 (temporary measure).
Both mean 'to work', but 働く emphasizes the physical or mental activity of labor, while 仕事をする focuses on the job or task. 働く is more common for 'to be employed', while 仕事をする can be used for specific tasks.
I work 8 hours every day.
I will work from home today.
The English loanword ワーキング is not commonly used in Japanese to mean 'working' in the sense of employment or functioning. It appears mainly in compound terms like ワーキングホリデー (working holiday) or ワーキングプア (working poor). Avoid using it as a direct translation.
I am working on a new project.
The machine is working properly.
She is working at a hospital.
He is working on a new project.
労働条件を改善する。
Improve working conditions.
就業時間中は私語を慎んでください。
Please refrain from private talk during working hours.
暫定的な合意に達した。
We reached a working agreement.