1.
one-person operation
A situation where one person handles work or tasks that typically require multiple people, originally from restaurant industry terminology.
2.
solo parenting; single-handedly caring for children
When one parent handles all childcare duties alone, without help from a partner.
Etymology
Abbreviation of ワンオペレーション (one operation), from English "one operation."
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)
Cultural note
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.