Chinese word

义务

Pronunciation

Pinyinyì wù

Meaning

  • nounduty

Example

每个人都有义务遵守法律。měi gè rén dōu yǒu yì wù zūn shǒu fǎ lǜ

Everyone has a duty to obey the law.

Illustration for 义务 (duty)

More examples

父母有义务抚养孩子。fù mǔ yǒu yì wù fú yǎng hái zi

Parents have a duty to raise their children.

Core concept

A rule-bound task attached to someone, expected to be carried out rather than chosen.

Common phrases

  • 履行义务lǚ xíng yì wù

    fulfill a duty

  • 承担义务chéng dān yì wù

    undertake a duty

  • 有义务yǒu yì wù

    have a duty

Similar words

责任zé rèn: Responsibility for an action or its result, including the burden it brings.
职责zhí zé: The duties and tasks assigned to a person because of a job or role.
权利quán lì: A right or freedom recognized by law or an organized system.

Definition in Chinese

根据法律、契约或社会规范，应当承担或履行的责任或行为。gēn jù fǎ lǜ qì yuē huò shè huì guī fàn yīng dāng chéng dān huò lǚ xíng de zé rèn huò xíng wéi

Word origin

义务 (yìwù, "duty") combines 义 (yì, "righteousness") with 务 (wù, "task"), giving the idea of a task that fairness or rules require someone to carry out.

Usage tips

  • The noun is especially useful when a rule, contract, or social standard makes a responsibility official, rather than when someone simply helps with a casual task.

Opposites

Related words

  • 义务教育yì wù jiào yùcompulsory educationnoun
  • 义务感yì wù gǎnsense of dutynoun
  • 义务劳动yì wù láo dòngcompulsory labornoun

Word lists with this word