Translation guide
Describes a work arrangement where employees take turns covering different time periods. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the noun 交代制 (こうたいせい) or the verb 交代で働く (こうたいではたらく). The specific shift pattern (day/night, rotating, etc.) can be specified with additional terms.
私たちは交代で働いています。
We work in shifts.
この工場は交代制です。
This factory operates on a shift system.
To say that a workplace operates with employees working in shifts, or that someone works shifts.
Noun meaning 'shift system'. Used to describe a workplace or work style where people take turns. Often combined with です or ですよ.
この工場は交代制です。
This factory operates on a shift system.
交代制の仕事を探しています。
I'm looking for a job with shift work.
Verb phrase meaning 'to work in shifts'. 交代で is an adverbial form meaning 'in turns' or 'by rotation'.
私たちは交代で働いています。
We work in shifts.
看護師は昼夜交代で働くことが多い。
Nurses often work in day and night shifts.
Loanword-based noun meaning 'shift system'. Very common in casual and business contexts, especially in part-time jobs.
この店はシフト制です。
This store uses a shift system.
Verb phrase using the loanword シフト. Very natural in conversation about part-time or service jobs.
週末はシフトで働いています。
I work shifts on weekends.
To emphasize that people alternate or rotate through different shifts (e.g., day shift one week, night shift the next).
Formal verb phrase meaning 'to work on a rotating basis'. 交替 is a variant kanji for 交代, both are used. 勤務する means 'to work (at a job)'.
社員は交替で勤務しています。
The employees work in rotating shifts.
Uses the loanword ローテーション (rotation). Common in workplaces to describe rotating shifts.
夜勤はローテーションで回しています。
We rotate the night shifts.
To specify that the shift work involves both day and night periods.
Compound noun meaning 'day and night shift system'. 昼夜 means 'day and night'.
この病院は昼夜交代制を導入しています。
This hospital has introduced a day/night shift system.
More explicit: 'a shift system of day shift and night shift'. 日勤 = day shift, 夜勤 = night shift.
日勤と夜勤の交代制で働いています。
I work on a rotating day and night shift system.
To say 'I work shifts' in a casual, conversational way.
Noun phrase meaning 'shift work'. Often used with です or をしています.
今の仕事はシフト勤務です。
My current job is shift work.
Common expression meaning 'to be on a shift' or 'to work a shift'. Used when talking about one's schedule.
明日はシフトに入っています。
I'm on shift tomorrow.
交代制 is the native Japanese term and sounds slightly more formal or traditional. シフト制 is a loanword and is extremely common in part-time jobs, retail, and casual conversation. Both are widely understood.
工場は交代制、コンビニはシフト制というイメージです。
Factories tend to use 交代制, while convenience stores use シフト制.
Avoid directly translating 'working in shifts' as シフトで働いていること or similar noun phrases. Use 交代制 or シフト制 for the system, and 交代で働く or シフトで働く for the action.
工場で交代制で働いています。
I work in shifts at a factory.
看護師は交代で勤務します。
Nurses work in shifts.
彼らは交代制を導入しました。
They introduced a shift system.