従事

じゅうじ

engaging, pursuing, following

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"従事" (じゅうじ) is a formal verb used to express that someone is engaged in or pursuing a particular job, profession, or activity. It often appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, especially in professional or official contexts.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to describe someone's occupation or field of work, such as "教育に従事する" (to be engaged in education) or "医療に従事する" (to work in medical care).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 従事する + 仕事/職業/分野: to be engaged in a job/profession/field
  • 医療従事者: medical worker (a common compound noun)
  • 長年従事する: to be engaged for many years

Register and Nuance

This word is formal and often used in official documents, news reports, or formal speeches. It is less common in casual conversation, where simpler verbs like "働く" or "やる" might be preferred.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "従事" with "参加" (participate) or "関与" (involve), but "従事" specifically implies ongoing professional or occupational engagement rather than just participation.

Example Sentences

かれはながねんきょういくにじゅうじしてきた。

He has been engaged in education for many years.

いりょうじゅうじしゃはかんじゃのけあにぜんりょくをつくしている。

Medical workers are doing their best to care for patients.

かのじょはかんきょうほごのしごとにじゅうじしている。

She is engaged in work related to environmental protection.