How to Say ‘What kind of work do you do?’ in Japanese
どんなお仕事ですか?
donna o shigoto desu ka
[dohn-nah oh shee-goh-toh dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: どんな "what kind of" goes right before a noun. For example, どんな会社ですか? "What kind of company is it?"
Phrase Breakdown
どんな
donna
[dohn-nah]
what kind of
Used to ask for the type or nature of something.
どんな感じですかと質問してみました。
I tried asking, 'What is it like?'
お
o
[oh]
honorific/polite prefix
A polite prefix that makes a word sound more refined or respectful.
おすすめのおは、ことばを丁寧にします。
The o in osusume makes the word more polite.
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.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
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