同僚

• Reading: どうりょう
• Romaji: douryou
• Kanji breakdown: 同 (dou) — same, equal; 僚 (ryou) — colleague, companion, official
• Pronunciation: /doː.ɾʲoː/

Meaning

Coworker; colleague. A person one works with at the same workplace or in the same organization.

A noun that specifically refers to people of roughly equal rank at the same workplace. Unlike 上司 (superior) or 部下 (subordinate), 同僚 implies a peer relationship. Often used when talking about workplace social life and relationships.

Examples

1. 同僚と一緒にランチを食べます。 I eat lunch together with my coworkers.
2. 新しい同僚はフランスから来ました。 The new colleague came from France.
3. 同僚に仕事を手伝ってもらった。 A coworker helped me with my work.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, social relationships, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 同 (dou, same) and 僚 (ryou, colleague/official). Literally means someone in the same official position.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working class