義務 — meaning in English: Obligation

gimu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for duty

年

nen

記念日

kinenbi

エグゼクティブ

eguzekutibu

義務

gimu

ビジネスマン

bijinesuman

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 義務 (gimu) in various contexts, particularly when discussing responsibilities at work or family obligations. For example, a parent might explain to their child the importance of fulfilling their duties in the household, or a manager could emphasize the obligations employees have towards their roles.

Synonyms & nuances

While 義務 (gimu) specifically refers to a sense of moral or legal obligation, 役割 (yakuwari) means 'role' and implies a function one fulfills. You might choose 義務 when discussing responsibilities that carry a moral weight, whereas 役割 could be used in contexts of defined roles in a team or organization.

Culture

The word 義務 (gimu) is derived from the characters 義 (gi), meaning 'righteousness' or 'justice', and 務 (mu), meaning 'duty' or 'task'. This etymology highlights a cultural perspective in Japan that places a strong emphasis on fulfilling one’s duties as a moral obligation, reflecting the societal importance of collective harmony and personal responsibility in Japanese culture.

FAQ

Q.What does 義務 (gimu) mean in English?

義務 (gimu) translates to 'obligation' in English, referring to a duty or responsibility one is bound to fulfill.

Q.Can 義務 (gimu) be used in informal conversations?

Yes, while 義務 (gimu) is often used in neutral or formal contexts, it can also appear in informal conversations, particularly when discussing personal responsibilities.

Q.Is there a specific grammatical structure when using 義務 (gimu)?

義務 (gimu) is typically used with particles such as が (ga) or を (wo) to indicate the subject or object of the obligation. For example, '私には義務があります' (I have an obligation).

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