1.
worker bee
A non-reproductive female bee that gathers nectar, builds and cleans the hive, and cares for the young. Also used figuratively for a person who works hard without much reward or recognition.
働き蜂が花の蜜を集める。
Worker bees gather nectar from flowers.
巣の仕事はほとんど働き蜂がこなす。
Almost all the hive's work is handled by the worker bees.
彼は会社の働き蜂のように、毎日遅くまで働いている。
Like a worker bee at the company, he works late every day.
Formed from 働き (working) + 蜂 (bee), with rendaku giving ばち. Figuratively it describes a diligent, self-effacing worker who does the unglamorous jobs.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 働き蜂が蜜を集める: worker bees gather nectar
- 会社の働き蜂: a corporate worker bee (hard-working employee)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 女王蜂: queen bee — the single egg-laying female at the center of the colony