Japanese - Work and Jobs

お仕事は何ですか。

Oshigoto wa nan desu ka.

What do you do for work?

Meaning: What do you do for work?

When to use: Use this polite question when you want to know someone's job, including first meetings.

___として働いています。

___ toshite hataraite imasu.

I work as a ___.

Meaning: I work as a ___.

When to use: Put a job title or role in the blank to say your position politely.

___で働いています。

___ de hataraite imasu.

I work at ___.

Meaning: I work at ___.

When to use: Use a company name, shop, or place in the blank to say where you work, with particle で.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use に instead of で for workplaces. Use で to indicate where the action (work) happens.

___の仕事をしています。

___ no shigoto o shite imasu.

I work in ___.

Meaning: I work in ___. (field/department)

When to use: Put a field or department in the blank to explain your work area (e.g., IT, 営業).

仕事を探しています。

Shigoto o sagashite imasu.

I'm looking for a job.

Meaning: I'm looking for a job.

When to use: Use this to say you are currently seeking employment or job opportunities.

仕事は___からです。

Shigoto wa ___ kara desu.

I start work at ___.

Meaning: I start work at ___.

When to use: Put a time in the blank with から to say when your work begins.

仕事は___までです。

Shigoto wa ___ made desu.

I finish work at ___.

Meaning: I finish work at ___.

When to use: Put an end time in the blank with まで to say when you finish work.

___は仕事が休みです。

___ wa shigoto ga yasumi desu.

I have a day off on ___.

Meaning: I have a day off on ___.

When to use: Put a weekday or date in the blank to say when you are off work.

この作業を手伝ってもらえますか。

Kono sagyō o tetsudatte moraemasu ka.

Can you help me with this task?

Meaning: Can you help me with this task?

When to use: Use this polite request when you need a colleague's help with a specific task.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use casual forms like 手伝ってくれる？ in formal workplaces. Use もらえますか for polite requests.

休憩中です

Kyūkei-chū desu.

I'm on break.

Meaning: I'm on break.

When to use: Say this when you are taking a rest or lunch break.

フルタイムで働いています。

Furutaimu de hataraite imasu.

I work full-time.

Meaning: I work full-time.

When to use: Use this to describe your work schedule or employment type.

パートタイムで働いています。

Pātutaimu de hataraite imasu.

I work part-time.

Meaning: I work part-time.

When to use: Use this to say you work fewer hours (part-time) or are a part-time employee.

会議は何時ですか。

Kaigi wa nanji desu ka.

What time is the meeting?

Meaning: What time is the meeting?

When to use: Ask this politely to find out the time of a meeting or event.