How to Say ‘I worked for two years’ in Japanese
二年働きました
ni nen hataraki mashi ta
[nee nen hah-tah-RAH-kee mah-shee tah]
💬 Usage Tip: A length of time goes straight before the verb with no extra word: 二年働きました (ni-nen). Swap it the same way: 三か月働きました "worked three months."
Phrase Breakdown
二
ni
[nee]
two
The number two.
二お願いします。
Two, please.
年
nen
[nen]
year
Counter for years; combined with numbers to count years.
三年前に来ました。
I came three years ago.
働き
hataraki
[hah-tah-RAH-kee]
work (stem)
Stem of hataraku, to work at a job.
病院で働きます。
I work at a hospital.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite past stem
Part of the polite past ending in a verb phrase.
昨日は多くのことを学びました。
I learned many things yesterday.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager