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What does "手弁当 (tebentou)" mean in business? Example sentences, paraphrases and English expressions are also explained.

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Foreigners helping at 手弁当

Have you ever been confused about the word "手弁当 (tebento)," which you often hear in Japanese business situations, because you do not know what it means? This expression is frequently used not only in daily conversation but also in business situations. However, its meaning and usage may be difficult to understand just by hearing it.

In this issue, we will introduce in detail what exactly "手弁当" means and in what context it is used, as well as its usage, example sentences, paraphrased expressions, and even how to express it in English. Understanding this unique expression in Japanese business culture will help you communicate more smoothly.

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What are the two meanings of "手弁当 (tebentou)"?

When encountering the term "手弁当" (tebento) in Japanese business settings, many people might tilt their heads in confusion, wondering what it's all about. You might wonder why "お弁当" (obento, lunch box) suddenly becomes relevant in a business conversation.

In fact, there is a superficial meaning and another, deeper meaning of "手弁当" that is often used in the business world. When using this expression in business, it is necessary to understand its proper meaning.

1. "Lunch box made by myself"

When one thinks of "手弁当," the first thing that comes to mind is literally "homemade bento," a meal cooked and packed in a bento box by oneself. In this sense, it refers to a meal prepared with love and care by one's own hands, and is easily understood by all.

2. "Working without being paid" and "Helping by paying your own way"

More interestingly, the metaphorical use of "手弁当" (tebento) is often heard in business. It's used to mean "doing something at one's own expense" or "working without compensation". The expression "手弁当でやる" (tebento de yaru) indicates an attitude of contributing to a project at one's own expense.

English expression corresponding to "手弁当 (tebentou)"

Next, let's look at how to express "手弁当" in English.

1. In the case of a self-made lunch box

The literal translation is "lunch box. This is an expression that everyone can easily understand.

2. When referring to uncompensated support in business

"Volunteer work" means working voluntarily without pay. This expression is close to the business meaning of "手弁当" (tebento).

"Work without pay" literally means labor without compensation, which also has a similar nuance to "手弁当" (tebento). However, this expression does not include the nuance of voluntariness.

Example sentences using "手弁当 (tebentou)" in business

To help you visualize the specific usage of "手弁当," let's look at some actual example sentences.

1. If you bring your own lunch

「今日は手弁当を持って会社に行きました。」
"Today, I went to the company with my own packed lunch (tebento)."

In this sentence, we are talking about a lunch box that you cooked and brought yourself. This is a very literal use of the term ”手弁当”

2. When referring to uncompensated support in business

「そのプロジェクトは、みんな手弁当で取り組んでいます。」
"Everyone is working on that project on a voluntary, unpaid basis (tebento)."

Here, "手弁当" is used in a situation where one voluntarily and gratuitously assists with a task. Since we use this expression when we actively raise our hands to contribute, the key is to use it when we willingly help, rather than when we are ordered to and forced to help.

Paraphrases and thesauruses for "手弁当 (tebentou)"

Let's explore another word that has a similar meaning to "手弁当" and another expression that describes a similar situation.

1."自腹を切る (To pay out of one's own pocket)"

"自腹を切る (To pay out of one's own pocket)" means to pay for something with one's own money. For example, it's used when bearing the costs of a business project oneself. This expression has a similar nuance to "手弁当" in terms of bearing costs oneself, but it focuses mainly on financial burden.

2. "ボランティア (To volunteer)"

"ボランティア (To volunteer)" generally refers to voluntary activities performed without expecting compensation. In a business context, it can be used with a similar meaning to "手弁当で手伝う (helping on one's own initiative)". This term is particularly suitable when emphasizing one's willingness to do something proactively.

3. "無給で働く (To work without pay)"

"無給で働く (To work without pay)" is also close in meaning to "手弁当". This expression directly describes the situation of working without receiving compensation or salary. It can also be used when voluntarily contributing to a business project.

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summary

In this article, we have explained what the term "手弁当" means and how it is used in business situations.

Especially in business, the word "手弁当" embodies the spirit of doing something willingly and not expecting any reward for it. Please take advantage of the examples and paraphrased expressions presented in this article to further enrich your business communication. This will be a step toward deepening mutual understanding and building trust between you and your business colleagues.

And in working in Japan, knowing unique expressions such as "手弁当" has value beyond mere language knowledge. This is because it deepens our understanding of the culture and leads to smoother communication. It would be wonderful if we could take this opportunity to learn to use different expressions flexibly in various situations.

If you want to know more about ◆Business Japanese, check out the following articles!

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