How to Say ‘Work must be busy.’ in Japanese
仕事、忙しいでしょう。
shigoto isogashii deshou
[shee-goh-toh ee-soh-gah-shee deh-SHOH]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Asking about work this way shows concern for you. A modest reply that also says you're coping fine is expected.
Phrase Breakdown
仕事、
shigoto
work,
仕事 (shigoto) means 'work' or 'job.' In casual speech the particle is dropped, and you pause briefly instead.
仕事、楽しいですか。
Is work fun?
Words in this phrase
仕事
shigoto
[shee-goh-toh]
work; job
Refers to work, occupation, or a job role; common in business and career conversations.
今は営業の仕事をしています。
Right now I work in sales.
忙しいでしょう。
isogashii deshou
must be busy, right?
忙しい (isogashii) means 'busy.' でしょう means 'probably' or 'right?' and shows you are guessing. Hold the long 'ou' at the end.
毎日忙しいでしょう。
You must be busy every day, right?
Words in this phrase
忙しい
isogashii
[ee-soh-gah-shee]
busy
I-adjective meaning “busy.” Often used about schedules/work (仕事が忙しい).
今週は忙しいです。
I’m busy this week.
でしょう
deshou
[deh-SHOH]
must be; I suppose
Here it expresses a guess seeking agreement: 'you must be...'.
疲れたでしょう。
You must be tired.
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
What 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