Japanese Conversation · Level 100
60 words
Japanese word
義務
Pronunciation
Romajigimu
Meaning
- nounduty
Example
学校のきまりを守るのはみんなの義務です。gak kō no ki ma ri o mamo ru no wa mi n na no gi mu de su
Following the school rules is everyone's duty.
More examples
困っている人を助けるのは、社会の義務です。koma tte i ru hito o tasu ke ru no wa sha kai no gi mu de su
Helping people in need is a social duty.
Core concept
Describes something a person is expected to do because of a rule, role, or shared standard.
Common phrases
義務を果たすgi mu o ha ta su
fulfill a duty
義務があるgi mu ga a ru
have an obligation
義務を負うgi mu o o u
bear an obligation
Similar words
責務sekimu: A duty connected with a particular role or position.
務めtsutome: A duty or role that a person is expected to fulfill.
義理giri: An obligation that comes from a relationship or a received favor.
Definition in Japanese
必ず果たさなければならない務め。kanara zu ha ta sa na ke re ba na ra na i tsuto me
Word origin
義務 (gimu, "duty") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 義 (gi, "justice") and 務 (mu, "task").
Usage tips
- The English word duty often sounds formal or role-based, and 義務 (gimu) likewise commonly appears in rules and public notices rather than casual requests.