毎日働く
every day work
Literally: 毎日 (Every day) + 働く (Work)
Use this phrase to describe a non-stop work schedule or emphasize someone's extreme diligence.
In 15 Seconds
- Means working every single day without any breaks.
- Used to describe a busy schedule or high dedication.
- Can sound either very proud or very exhausted.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of working every single day without taking a break. It is used to talk about a busy schedule or a dedicated work ethic.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining to a friend
最近、毎日働くから本当に疲れた。
I'm really tired because I've been working every day lately.
Describing a parent's effort
父は家族のために毎日働いています。
My father works every day for the sake of the family.
A humorous observation about a pet
うちの猫は寝るのが仕事。毎日働くのは私だけ。
My cat's job is sleeping. I'm the only one working every day.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the concept of 'Ganbaru' (doing one's best) often involves working long hours. While 'Karoshi' (death from overwork) is a serious social issue, being a 'hard worker' remains a core cultural value. This phrase captures the tension between traditional diligence and modern burnout.
The 'Te-iru' Trick
If you are currently in the middle of a long streak of working days, use `毎日働いています` instead of `毎日働く`. It sounds more natural for ongoing habits.
Don't Exaggerate Too Much
In Japan, saying you work every day is taken literally. If you actually have Saturdays off, people might think you are being dishonest if you say `毎日`.
In 15 Seconds
- Means working every single day without any breaks.
- Used to describe a busy schedule or high dedication.
- Can sound either very proud or very exhausted.
What It Means
毎日働く is a straightforward way to say you are on the grind. It means you work Monday through Sunday. There are no weekends in this phrase. It sounds very busy and sometimes a bit exhausting. Use it when your job never seems to stop.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a simple statement. Just say 毎日働く to describe a habit. If you want to be polite, say 毎日働きます. To describe a current ongoing state, use 毎日働いています. It is a very flexible building block for sentences. You can add reasons why you work so much. For example, add 家族のために (for my family) at the start.
When To Use It
Use this when a friend asks about your schedule. It fits perfectly when you are venting about a busy month. It is great for describing a side hustle or a part-time job. You might use it in a job interview to show dedication. It also works when talking about someone else's impressive work ethic. If your boss asks why you look tired, this is your answer.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you have regular weekends off. Japanese people are very literal about time. If you work five days a week, say 月曜日から金曜日まで働く. Using 毎日 implies zero rest days. It might sound like you are complaining too much if used wrongly. Avoid using it if you are just doing chores at home. 働く usually refers to professional or paid labor.
Cultural Background
Japan has a famous reputation for being a nation of hard workers. The word 働き者 (hatarakimono) is a high compliment for a diligent person. However, the culture is slowly changing to value work-life balance. Older generations might say 毎日働く with immense pride. Younger people might say it with a heavy sigh and a coffee. There is a deep respect for those who provide through constant effort.
Common Variations
You will often hear 毎日働きすぎる which means "working too much every day." Another common one is 毎日働きたくない, which we all feel sometimes! If you are self-employed, you might say 毎日働くのが普通だ (working every day is normal). You can also change 毎日 to 休みなく (without rest) for extra drama. Each variation changes the mood from proud to exhausted.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for most situations. Just remember to use the `-masu` form (`働きます`) when speaking to people of higher status or strangers.
The 'Te-iru' Trick
If you are currently in the middle of a long streak of working days, use `毎日働いています` instead of `毎日働く`. It sounds more natural for ongoing habits.
Don't Exaggerate Too Much
In Japan, saying you work every day is taken literally. If you actually have Saturdays off, people might think you are being dishonest if you say `毎日`.
The 'Hatarakimono' Secret
Calling someone a `働き者` (hatarakimono) is one of the best compliments you can give a Japanese person. It implies they are reliable and strong.
Examples
6最近、毎日働くから本当に疲れた。
I'm really tired because I've been working every day lately.
The speaker is using the casual form to vent frustration.
父は家族のために毎日働いています。
My father works every day for the sake of the family.
Uses the polite form to show respect for the effort.
うちの猫は寝るのが仕事。毎日働くのは私だけ。
My cat's job is sleeping. I'm the only one working every day.
Contrasts the cat's 'work' with the speaker's real work.
プロジェクトのために、今月は毎日働く予定です。
I plan to work every day this month for the project.
Professional tone indicating a temporary intense period.
毎日働くの、もう無理かも(笑)
Working every day... I might be at my limit (lol).
Casual texting style with a lighthearted complaint.
自分のビジネスだから、毎日働くのは当たり前だよ。
It's my own business, so working every day is a matter of course.
Shows a sense of responsibility and pride.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I work every day because I need money.'
お金が必要だから、___ ___。
`毎日働く` (work every day) fits the context of needing money urgently.
Make the phrase polite for a conversation with a teacher.
私は忙しいです。___ ___。
`働きます` is the polite (masu) form of the verb `働く`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Mainichi Hataraku'
Used with friends or when muttering to yourself.
毎日働くわ。
Standard dictionary form for general statements.
毎日働く。
Used with bosses, elders, or in polite company.
毎日働きます。
When to use 'Mainichi Hataraku'
At a Cafe
Venting to a friend about a busy week.
Job Interview
Demonstrating your willingness to work hard.
Family Dinner
Talking about a hardworking relative.
Social Media
Posting a 'hustle' quote or a tired selfie.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions働く (hataraku) focuses on the physical or mental act of labor. 仕事をする (shigoto o suru) is more about performing a specific job or task. You can use both, but 働く sounds a bit more like 'laboring'.
It is not rude, but it is informal. You should say 毎日働きます (mainichi hatarakimasu) or 毎日働いております (mainichi hataraite orimasu) to be extra polite.
Technically no. For studying, use 毎日勉強する (mainichi benkyou suru). 働く is specifically for work/jobs.
You would say 毎日働きたくない (mainichi hatarakitakunai). It is a very common sentiment!
Yes, 毎日 (mainichi) literally means 'every day.' If you mean 'every weekday,' you should say 平日 (heijitsu).
The past tense is 毎日働いた (mainichi hataraita) for casual, or 毎日働きました (mainichi hatarakimashita) for polite.
No, for machines 'working' or 'operating,' use 動く (ugoku) or 作動する (sadou suru). 働く is for people.
There isn't a direct slang word for the whole phrase, but people sometimes use 社畜 (shachiku), which means 'company slave,' to describe someone who works way too much.
You say 毎日働かなければならない (mainichi hatarakanakereba naranai). It's a mouthful, but very common!
Not necessarily. It just describes the frequency. The context and your tone of voice will tell people if you love it or hate it.
Related Phrases
一生懸命働く
To work as hard as one can.
残業する
To work overtime.
共働き
Dual-income household (both spouses working).
働きすぎ
Overworking / working too much.
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