Quick answer
働 is the kanji for "to work". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is はたら.く (hataraku). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
to work
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
13 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 働 represents 'WORK'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of work.
On-reading: どう — remember this sound by associating it with work. Kun-reading: はたら.く.
Example Sentences
毎日一生懸命働いています。
まいにちいっしょうけんめいはたらいています。
I work hard every day.
働きながら学んでいます。
はたらきながらまなんでいます。
I'm learning while working.
Vocabulary using 働
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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