Translation guide
The English word "duty" covers moral obligations, assigned tasks, job responsibilities, and even customs fees. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what kind of duty you mean.
Expressing something you feel you should do as a responsible person or member of society.
The most direct equivalent for a binding duty, often legal or moral. Used in phrases like 'duty to pay taxes' or 'civic duty'.
納税は国民の義務です。
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
親には子供を守る義務がある。
Parents have a duty to protect their children.
Closer to 'responsibility'. Use when the duty comes from one's role or position, and implies accountability.
Literally 'a matter of course'. Used to say something is a natural duty or the least one can do.
困っている人を助けるのは当然のことだ。
It's only natural (one's duty) to help people in trouble.
Referring to a specific job, task, or function that someone is assigned to do, especially in a work or organizational context.
A formal term for an assigned duty or mission, often used in military, police, or official contexts.
Describing the tasks and responsibilities that come with a particular job or position.
Formal term for professional duties or official responsibilities.
Referring to the fee paid on goods brought into a country.
Referring to a period of time when someone is on duty, such as a night shift or sentry duty.
義務 is for binding moral or legal duties. Using it for a simple task like 'my duty is to water the plants' sounds overly heavy. Use 役目 or 仕事 instead.
それは私の責任です。
That is my duty/responsibility.
彼は重要な任務を任された。
He was entrusted with an important duty.
A role or duty one is expected to fulfill, often in a group or family. More personal than 任務.
私の役目は会議の準備です。
My duty is to prepare for the meeting.
General word for 'work' or 'job'. Can be used for routine duties in a workplace.
今日の仕事はこれで終わりです。
My duties for today are done.
職務を遂行する。
To carry out one's duties.
Business duties or operations. Common in office settings.
業務内容を説明します。
I will explain the job duties.
The standard term for customs duty or tariff.
この商品には高い関税がかかる。
A high duty is imposed on this product.
Being on duty in a rotating system, like cleaning duty or night watch.
今日は私が掃除当番です。
I'm on cleaning duty today.
Work shift or service, often used for police, military, or hospital shifts.
彼は夜勤務についている。
He is on night duty.