ワンオペ
わんおぺ
noun
one-person operation; single-handedly managing
1.
one-person operation
A situation where one person handles work or tasks that typically require multiple people, originally from restaurant industry terminology.
ワンオペで店を回すのは大変だ。
Running the store single-handedly is tough.
深夜は人手不足でワンオペになる。
Late at night, due to staff shortage, it becomes a one-person operation.
バイトが休んで、ワンオペで忙しいランチタイムを乗り切った。
A part-timer was absent, so I got through the busy lunch rush single-handedly.
2.
solo parenting; single-handedly caring for children
When one parent handles all childcare duties alone, without help from a partner.
今日はワンオペ育児だ。
Today I'm doing solo parenting.
夫が出張中で、今週はワンオペ育児だ。
My husband is on a business trip, so this week I'm doing solo parenting.
毎日ワンオペで子供の世話をしていると、体も心も疲れてくる。
When you're doing solo childcare every day, it wears you out both physically and mentally.
ETYMOLOGY:
Abbreviation of ワンオペレーション (one operation), from English "one operation."
ORIGIN:
Originated in the fast-food industry to describe shifts where only one employee works. The term gained wider use after media coverage of overwork issues at chain restaurants.
USAGE:
- ワンオペ + noun: ワンオペ育児 (solo parenting), ワンオペ営業 (one-person sales)
- ワンオペで〜する (to do ~ single-handedly)
- ワンオペ状態 (one-person operation state)
SOCIAL CONTEXT:
The term ワンオペ育児 became popular in discussions about working mothers who bear the burden of childcare alone while their partners work long hours. It highlights issues of work-life balance and unequal division of household labor in Japan.
SIMILAR TERMS:
- 一人で回す - to run (something) by oneself
- 孤軍奮闘 - fighting alone
Related Words
Related:
イクメン (hands-on father)