I'm learning 日本語

同僚 — meaning in English: A colleag

douryou · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for colleague
シネマ
shinema
同僚
douryou
言い訳
iiwake
テープ
tēpu
交換
kōkan
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Japanese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 同僚 (douryou) in professional settings, such as during meetings or casual conversations at work. For instance, one might say, 'My 同僚 helped me with this project,' when referring to a colleague who contributed to their work.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 友人 (yuujin), which means 'friend.' While 同僚 refers specifically to colleagues in a work context, 友人 encompasses friends in general. You would use 同僚 when discussing work-related matters and 友人 when talking about social life outside of work.
Culture
The word 同僚 is rooted in the kanji 同 (same) and 僚 (companion), reflecting the idea of sharing the same workplace or mission. In Japanese culture, the concept of teamwork and collaboration in the workplace is highly valued, making the relationships with one's 同僚 essential for a harmonious work environment.
FAQ
Q.What does 同僚 mean in English?
同僚 (douryou) translates to 'colleague' in English, referring specifically to someone you work with, typically in a professional setting.
Q.How do you use 同僚 in a sentence?
You can use 同僚 in sentences like '彼は私の同僚です。' (Kare wa watashi no douryou desu), which means 'He is my colleague.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 同僚?
A common mistake is to confuse 同僚 with 友人 (yuujin). Remember, 同僚 is strictly for colleagues, whereas 友人 refers to friends outside of work.
Learn japanese with Maspeak →
Japanese 2000