働く vs 勤務する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 働く
Listen to 勤務する
| 働く | 勤務する |
|---|---|
ha-TA-ra-ku verb (godan/u-verb) | kinmu suru verb (godan/u-verb) |
| to work; to labor (perform labor, be employed, or put in effort) | to be on duty; to work at a specific post or during a scheduled shift |
How they differ
勤務する highlights duty, shift, place, or official assignment (e.g., hospital duty, office shift), while 働く is a general verb for working or exerting effort. 勤務する implies an official schedule or workplace responsibility rather than the act of working in general.
When to use each
When to use 働く: Prefer 働く for general descriptions of working or exerting effort without emphasizing schedule or official role.
When to use 勤務する: Prefer 勤務する when referring to assigned duties, shifts, or formal workplace attendance.
Side-by-side examples
- 父は昼も夜も働いている。
(My father works both day and night.) - 彼女は市役所で勤務している。
(She is on duty / employed at the city hall.)
Register & nuance: 勤務する is more formal and businesslike than 働く, commonly used in administrative, official, or workplace contexts.