働き

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 働き is read as はたらき and is a noun for the function or operation performed by a person, organization, device, or body part.
• Basic usage: A biological function appears in 根の働き, while a device's operation appears in 温度を保つ働き.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Work and function
  • Context can make it the activity of working, but the examples use it for the function or operation of a root or device.
• Difference from 役割
  • 役割 emphasizes an assigned role or responsibility; 働き centers on the function or effect actually performed.