Japanese word

務める

Pronunciation

Romajitsutomeru

Meaning

  • verbserve as

Example

私は今年、司会を務めます。watashi wa kotoshi shi kai o tsuto me ma su

I will serve as the host this year.

Illustration for 務める (serve as)

More examples

次の会議では、部長が議長を務めます。tsugi no kai gi de wa bu chō ga gi chō o tsuto me ma su

The department manager will serve as the chair at the next meeting.

Core concept

Focuses on fulfilling the duties of a role that one has been assigned or chosen to take.

Common phrases

  • 司会を務めるshi kai o tsuto me ru

    serve as the host

  • 会長を務めるkai chō o tsuto me ru

    serve as the chairperson

  • 主役を務めるshu yaku o tsuto me ru

    play the leading role

Similar words

担うninau: To take responsibility for a particular role, duty, or task.
担当するtantōsuru: To be responsible for a particular task, area, or role.
受け持つukemotsu: To take charge of an assigned person, group, subject, or task.

Definition in Japanese

任された役目や職務を受け持ち、責任を果たす。maka sa re ta yaku me ya shoku mu o u ke mo chi seki nin o ha ta su

Word origin

務める (tsutomeru) is a native Japanese verb rather than a loanword; dictionaries trace it to the older form つとむ (tsutomu), whose meanings include making an effort and performing an assigned duty.

Usage tips

  • The phrase "serve as" usually names the position after "as," so it clearly shows that the person is acting in a particular capacity rather than merely serving someone.

Other meanings

  • be in charge ofverb

Related words

  • 務めtsutomedutynoun

Word lists with this word