事務所

• Reading: じむしょ
• Romaji: jimusho
• Kanji breakdown: 事 (ji/koto) — matter; 務 (mu/tsuto) — duty, service; 所 (sho/tokoro) — place
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.mɯ.ɕo/

Meaning

An office. A place where administrative or business work is conducted.

Refers specifically to an administrative office or business premises, as opposed to the general loanword オフィス (ofisu). Common in contexts like 弁護士事務所 (law office) and 会計事務所 (accounting office). Also used for talent agencies, as in 芸能事務所 (entertainment agency). Distinct from 会社 (kaisha, company), which refers to the organization itself.

Examples

1. 事務所で書類を作っています。 I'm working on documents at the office.
2. 新しい事務所は駅の近くにあります。 The new office is near the train station.
3. 事務所に電話してください。 Please call the office.

Usage Guide

Context: work, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 事務 (jimu, office work/administration) and 所 (sho, place). 事 means matter/affair, 務 means duty/task.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal