Japanese word

使命

Pronunciation

Romajishimei

Meaning

  • nounmission

Example

私は自分の使命を信じています。watashi wa ji bun no shi mei o shin ji te i ma su

I believe in my mission.

Illustration for 使命 (mission)

More examples

教師になることを自分の使命だと感じています。kyō shi ni na ru ko to o ji bun no shi mei da to kan ji te i ma su

I feel that becoming a teacher is my mission.

Core concept

The core of 使命 (shimei) is an important purpose or responsibility that a person or organization is expected to carry out.

Common phrases

  • 使命を果たすshi mei o ha ta su

    fulfill a mission

  • 使命を担うshi mei o nina u

    take on a mission

Similar words

任務ninmu: A duty or task assigned to a person or group.
責務sekimu: A responsibility that a person or organization is expected to fulfill.
役目yakume: A role or duty that a person is expected to carry out.

Definition in Japanese

人や組織が果たすべき重要な役割や責任。hito ya so shiki ga ha ta su be ki jū yō na yaku wari ya seki nin

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 使命 (shimei) combines 使 (shi, "to send") and 命 (mei, "command"), giving the sense of a duty assigned to someone.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often associate mission with space missions, whereas 使命 (shimei) usually highlights the serious purpose or responsibility behind a person's or organization's work.

Other meanings

  • dutynoun
  • callingnoun

Related words

  • 使命感shimeikansense of missionnoun

Word lists with this word