Translation guide
The English word "office" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings are a physical workplace (会社, 事務所), a room for administrative work (事務室, オフィス), and a position of authority (役職, 職位). Other meanings include a government department (省, 局), a doctor's or professional's practice (診療所, 事務所), and religious services (礼拝, 勤行).
Referring to the place where one works, especially a business or corporate setting.
I go to the office every day. · Our office is in Tokyo.
The most common word for one's own workplace or company. It can refer to the physical office or the organization.
毎日会社に行きます。
I go to the office every day.
会社はどこですか。
Where is your office?
Often used for smaller offices, administrative offices, or offices of professionals like lawyers or accountants. Can sound more like a physical office space.
Loanword from English, often used in modern or stylish contexts, or for shared offices. Can sound trendy.
Refers to the workplace in general, emphasizing the place where one works. More about the work environment than the physical office.
A room or area within a building where clerical or administrative work is done.
The office is on the second floor. · Please wait in the office.
A position of responsibility, authority, or duty, especially in government or an organization.
He was elected to office. · She holds a high office.
A department or agency of government, especially at the national level.
the Foreign Office · the Home Office
Used for ministries in the Japanese government, e.g., 外務省 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
The place where a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or other professional sees clients.
doctor's office · law office
A religious ceremony or service, especially in Christianity.
morning office · Office of the Dead
会社 (kaisha) is the most common word for one's workplace or company. It can refer to the organization or the physical office. 事務所 (jimusho) is more about the physical office space, often used for smaller offices or professional practices. オフィス (ofisu) is a loanword that sounds modern and is often used for stylish or shared workspaces.
彼は公職に立候補した。
He ran for office.
彼は小さな事務所を借りている。
He rents a small office.
The new office is spacious, isn't it?
Relationships at the office are important.
Specifically a room for clerical work, often in schools, hospitals, or public buildings.
事務室で手続きをしてください。
Please complete the procedure at the office.
Can refer to a room used as an office, especially in modern buildings.
2階にオフィスがあります。
There is an office on the second floor.
Formal term for an office room, often used for executives or government officials.
社長の執務室は最上階にある。
The president's office is on the top floor.
General term for a post or position in an organization.
彼は重要な役職に就いた。
He assumed an important office.
Refers to rank or position, often in a hierarchy.
職位が上がるにつれて責任も増える。
As one's office rises, responsibilities increase.
Specifically a government office or public post.
彼は官職を辞した。
He resigned from office.
To take public office.
彼は公職に就くことを決意した。
He decided to run for office.
The Foreign Office is in Kasumigaseki.
Bureau or agency, often a subdivision of a ministry.
彼は特許庁の審査官だ。
He is an examiner at the Patent Office.
Agency or office, often used for administrative bodies like 気象庁 (Meteorological Agency).
気象庁は台風情報を発表した。
The Meteorological Office issued a typhoon advisory.
General term for government offices.
官庁街を歩く。
Walk through the government office district.
Clinic or doctor's office, smaller than a hospital.
診療所は午後5時に閉まる。
The doctor's office closes at 5 p.m.
Doctor's office or clinic, often used in names.
山田医院は駅の近くです。
Yamada Clinic is near the station.
Used for law offices, accounting offices, etc.
弁護士事務所を訪ねた。
I visited the law office.
General term for a worship service.
日曜日の礼拝に参加する。
Attend Sunday office.
Buddhist religious service or sutra chanting.
朝の勤行を行う。
Perform the morning office.
Divine office, specifically in Catholic context.
聖務日課を守る。
Observe the Divine Office.
When referring to your own workplace, 会社 is the natural choice. Using 事務所 or オフィス might sound like you're talking about a specific room or a rental space. For example, 'I'm going to the office' is 会社に行く, not 事務所に行く.
会社に行く。
Go to the office.
When referring to your own workplace, 会社 is the natural choice. Using 事務所 or オフィス might sound like you're talking about a specific room or a rental space. For example, 'I'm going to the office' is 会社に行く, not 事務所に行く.
会社に行く。
Go to the office.