働

JLPT N3

Work

Readings

On’yomi: ドウ (dou)

Kun’yomi: はたら(く) (hatara(ku))

• はたら(く) – to work, to labor, to function

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

働く

はたらく

work

労働

ろうどう

labor

共働き

ともばたらき

dual income

稼働

かどう

operation

働力

どうりょく

workforce

Example Sentences

会社で働きます。

かいしゃではたらきます。

I work at a company.

労働時間です。

ろうどうじかんです。

It is working hours.

共働きです。

ともばたらきです。

We are a dual-income household.

機械が稼働します。

きかいがかどうします。

The machine operates.

働力が必要です。

どうりょくがひつようです。

Workforce is needed.

Cultural Note

In Japan, 働く (to work) carries deep cultural significance — it’s tied to purpose, contribution, and diligence.
• The term 働き方改革 (work-style reform) reflects modern efforts to balance work and life.
• Traditionally, work was viewed as a moral duty — doing one’s best (頑張る / がんばる) was seen as a virtue.
• The proverb 「働かざる者食うべからず」 (“He who does not work, shall not eat”) shows the cultural respect for hard work.