1.
main occupation, primary business, day job
One's principal line of work or core business activity, as distinguished from side jobs, hobbies, or secondary ventures.
本業は会社員です。
My main job is as an office worker.
副業が忙しくて本業に支障が出ている。
My side job is so busy that it's interfering with my main work.
あの会社は本業の製造業よりも不動産事業のほうが利益を上げている。
That company is making more profit from its real estate business than from its core manufacturing operations.
USAGE:
Contrasts with 副業 (side job) and is increasingly relevant in modern Japan as more workers take on multiple jobs. Can refer to an individual's primary occupation or a company's core business.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本業に専念する: to focus on one's main job
- 本業に支障が出る: to interfere with one's main work
- 本業のかたわら: alongside one's main job
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 副業: side job, side business
- 生業: livelihood, means of living (more literary)
- 職業: occupation, profession (general term)