Meaning and Usage
"工場" (こうじょう) means "factory" and refers to a place where goods are manufactured or assembled. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and business contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "工場" when talking about industrial production, manufacturing jobs, or company facilities. It can refer to large-scale factories or smaller workshops.
Collocations and Patterns
- 工場で (at the factory): used to specify the location of work or production.
- 工場が稼働する (the factory operates): describes when a factory starts or continues production.
- 工場で働く (work at a factory): common phrase to describe employment.
Register and Nuance
"工場" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is not used metaphorically but strictly for physical manufacturing sites.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "工場" with "工事" (こうじ, construction work). Remember "工場" is a place (factory), while "工事" refers to construction activities or works.