hataraku

Hataraku is a Japanese verb that translates to "to work" or "to function." It encompasses a broad range of activities, from performing labor for a living to the operation of machinery or the natural processes of biological systems. The nuance of hataraku can vary depending on context. When referring to human employment, it signifies engagement in a job or profession to earn income or contribute to society. This can include full-time employment, part-time work, or even freelance activities. Beyond the professional sphere, hataraku can describe the diligent effort put into a hobby or a personal project.

In a non-human context, hataraku is used to explain how things operate. For instance, a doctor might say a particular medicine is "hataraku" to mean it is functioning effectively within the body. Similarly, a mechanic would use the verb to describe a car engine "working" correctly. The concept also extends to abstract ideas, such as a plan or a strategy "working" to achieve a desired outcome. The verb’s versatility makes it a fundamental part of the Japanese language, applicable to a wide array of situations where action, operation, or effect is involved.