Japanese Conversation · Level 29
90 words
Japanese word
役
Pronunciation
Romajiyaku
Meaning
- nounrole
Example
姉は映画で役を演じます。ane wa ei ga de yaku o en ji ma su
My older sister plays a part in a movie.
More examples
彼はチームで大切な役を果たしています。kare wa chī mu de tai setsu na yaku o ha ta shi te i ma su
He plays an important role on the team.
Core concept
Describes the place a person fills and the duties that come with it.
Common phrases
役を演じるyaku o en ji ru
play a role
役を務めるyaku o tsuto me ru
serve in a role
役を任されるyaku o maka sa re ru
be entrusted with a role
Similar words
役割yakuwari: The function or part assigned to a person in a group, activity, or system.
役目yakume: The duty or responsibility that a person is expected to carry out.
担当tantō: The area or task assigned to a person to handle.
Definition in Japanese
ある場面や集団の中で担う立場や、割り当てられた務め。a ru ba men ya shū dan no naka de nina u tachi ba ya wa ri a te ra re ta tsuto me
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese word 役 (yaku, "service or duty") comes from a Chinese character meaning compulsory service or labor, which developed into the idea of a role to perform.
Usage tips
- In Japanese group activities, 役 (yaku) can describe a temporary responsibility, such as organizing an event, rather than a person's permanent occupation.