仕事

• Reading: しごと
• Romaji: shigoto
• Kanji breakdown: 仕 (shi) — to serve, to do; 事 (goto/koto) — thing, matter
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɡo.to/

Meaning

Work; job; business; task. One's occupation or a piece of work to be done.

One of the most essential nouns in Japanese. Functions as both a noun and suru-verb (仕事する, to work). Covers everything from one's career to a specific task. The deeply work-oriented Japanese culture makes this word appear constantly in daily life.

Examples

1. 毎日九時から仕事をしています。 I work every day starting at nine o'clock.
2. 仕事が終わったら連絡します。 I'll contact you when I'm done with work.
3. 新しい仕事を探しています。 I'm looking for a new job.

Usage Guide

Context: work, daily life, career

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 仕 (to serve, to do) and 事 (thing, matter). Originally meant 'a thing one does in service,' evolving to encompass all forms of labour and employment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal