家事

かじ

household matters

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"家事" (かじ) refers to household tasks or chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other domestic duties. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation when talking about managing a home.

Common Contexts

This word is often used when discussing daily routines, family life, or sharing responsibilities between family members. It can imply physical work done at home and is frequently mentioned in the context of balancing work and home life.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 家事をする: to do household chores
  • 家事を分担する: to share household chores
  • 家事が忙しい: to be busy with household chores

These collocations highlight typical ways to talk about household work and responsibilities.

Register and Nuance

"家事" is neutral and polite enough for everyday conversation and written language. It is not formal or technical but is appropriate in both casual and semi-formal contexts.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "家事" with "家事" (fire accident) which is a homograph but pronounced differently (かじ for household chores vs. かじ for fire). Context usually clarifies meaning, but be aware of this to avoid confusion.

Example Sentences

まいあさ、かじをおえてからしごとにいきます。

Every morning, I finish the household chores before going to work.

かじをぶんたんすることで、ふうふのかんけいがよくなります。

Sharing household chores improves the relationship between husband and wife.

かじがいそがしくて、なかなかじぶんのじかんがとれません。

I'm so busy with household chores that I hardly have any time for myself.