Understanding "働き"
The word "働き" primarily means "work" or "labor" in Japanese. It can refer to physical or mental effort, the function or operation of something, or a person's role or contribution in a social or professional context.
Usage in Sentences
"働き" is often used to describe someone's job or the work they do, as in "彼の働きは会社にとって非常に重要だ" (His work is very important to the company). It can also describe how a machine or system functions, for example, "この機械の働きがよくわからない" (I don't quite understand how this machine works).
Common Collocations
- 働き手 (はたらきて): worker, laborer — refers to a person who works.
- 働きかける (はたらきかける): to influence or take action — used when someone exerts effort to affect a situation.
- 働き方 (はたらきかた): way of working — refers to work style or method.
Nuances and Tips
When using "働き", it often implies active effort or function. It can be used both for people and objects (like machines). Avoid confusing it with "仕事" (しごと), which more specifically means "job" or "task". "働き" has a broader sense including the function or effect something has.
In conversation, "働き" can emphasize the value or role of someone's effort or the operation of a system, making it a versatile word in both everyday and formal contexts.