Japanese word

就く

Pronunciation

Romajitsuku

Meaning

  • verbtake a position

Example

来月、新しい仕事に就きます。rai getsu atara shi i shi goto ni tsu ki ma su

I will take a new job next month.

Illustration for 就く (take a position)

More examples

彼は長年の夢だった教師の職に就きました。kare wa naga nen no yume da tta kyō shi no shoku ni tsu ki ma shi ta

He took a teaching position, which had been his dream for many years.

Core concept

Expresses moving into a designated role and carrying out the work or duties that come with it.

Common phrases

  • 仕事に就くshi goto ni tsu ku

    take a job

  • 職に就くshoku ni tsu ku

    take a position

  • 役職に就くyaku shoku ni tsu ku

    take office

Similar words

就任するshūninsuru: To formally take up and begin serving in a particular position.
勤めるtsutomeru: To have a job with an organization and continue working there.
着任するchakuninsuru: To take up an official post, often after moving to its place of work.

Definition in Japanese

職業や役職などを自分の立場として、そこで働き始めること。shoku gyō ya yaku shoku na do o ji bun no tachi ba to shi te so ko de hatara ki haji me ru ko to

Word origin

The native verb つく (tsuku, "to reach or enter") extends from entering a place or state to entering a job or official position.

Usage tips

  • Writing つく (tsuku) without kanji can leave the intended meaning open until surrounding words clarify it, whereas 就く (tsuku, "take up a position") marks the employment sense.

Other meanings

  • be employedverb
  • take officeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word