How to say "task" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 用ようnounCovers 'task' only loosely, in the sense of business or an errand to attend to; for an assigned task or piece of work it is seldom the word you want.何の用でここに来たのですか。↗What has brought you here?
- 作業さぎょうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers task as a piece of work in progress — an operation being carried out; the nuance is the activity of working itself, so it suits practical work.
- nounThe direct equivalent of 'task': a discrete piece of work to be done, viewed as an item to complete; the natural choice when you mean a task as a countable unit of work.
- 仕事しごとnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers 'task' in the broad sense of work or a job — one's occupation, or work to be done; it is really the word for work and jobs, so it fits only that general sense.
- 任務にんむnounCovers task as an assigned duty or mission — something one is charged with carrying out; it fits official duties, missions and the responsibilities of a role rather than everyday jobs.
Choose 「タスク」 for a discrete task to complete, 作業 for work as an activity or operation, 任務 for an assigned duty or mission, 仕事 for work or a job in general, and 用 for errands and pieces of business.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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