Translation guide
The concept of working or being on duty during the night, often in professional or security contexts.
Referring to a work shift that takes place at night, in a general sense.
The most common and neutral term for a night shift or night duty, used in various professions.
今週は夜勤が続いている。
I've been on night duty all week.
夜勤の仕事を探しています。
I'm looking for night shift work.
A slightly more formal or descriptive way to say 'night duty', literally 'night's work'.
夜の勤務は体に負担がかかる。
Night duty takes a toll on the body.
Often used for night watch or guard duty, but can also refer to a night shift in some contexts.
彼は毎晩夜番をしている。
He does night duty every night.
Specifically referring to night shifts for doctors, nurses, or caregivers.
Refers to being on call or on duty, especially for medical professionals staying overnight at a hospital.
今夜は当直なので家に帰れません。
I'm on night duty tonight, so I can't go home.
当直明けはいつも疲れている。
I'm always tired after night duty.
Also commonly used in medical settings, but more general than 当直.
Referring to guarding or watching over a place at night.
Specifically means night watch or night guard duty, often for security personnel.
彼は会社の夜警をしている。
He does night duty as a security guard for the company.
Can also mean night watch, especially in traditional or informal contexts.
村の夜番に立つ。
Stand night watch in the village.
Night duty in a military context, such as guard duty or patrol.
Formal term for night duty, often used in military or official contexts.
兵士たちは夜間勤務についている。
The soldiers are on night duty.
Specifically refers to night sentry duty in the military.
夜哨に立つのは寒かった。
It was cold standing night sentry duty.
夜勤 is a general term for night shift work, while 当直 specifically implies being on call or staying overnight at a workplace, especially in medical settings. Use 当直 for doctors/nurses on night duty at a hospital, and 夜勤 for other shift workers.
Night duty for nurses is tough.