Translation guide
The concept of 'one's duty' in Japanese is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize obligation, responsibility, and social role. The most common and versatile term is 義務 (gimu), which covers legal, moral, and social duties. Other expressions like 責任 (sekinin) focus on responsibility, while 役目 (yakume) and 役割 (yakuwari) highlight one's assigned role or function. The choice depends on context: formal vs. casual, personal vs. societal, and whether the duty is self-imposed or externally expected.
Expressing a moral, legal, or social duty that one must fulfill.
The most common and direct translation for 'duty' or 'obligation'. It covers legal, moral, and social duties. Often used in formal contexts.
納税は国民の義務です。
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
彼は義務を果たした。
He fulfilled his duty.
Means 'responsibility'. It implies a duty that one is accountable for. Often used when the duty involves taking charge of something or being answerable for outcomes.
それは私の責任です。
That is my responsibility/duty.
責任を取る。
To take responsibility (for something).
Refers to one's duty, especially in a professional or role-based context. It can also mean 'service' or 'task'. Slightly more formal and often used in set phrases.
親としての務めを果たす。
To fulfill one's duty as a parent.
それが私の務めです。
That is my duty.
Referring to a duty that comes from one's position, job, or assigned role.
Means 'duty', 'role', or 'task' that one is expected to perform. It emphasizes the function or part one plays in a group or situation.
案内するのが私の役目です。
It's my duty to guide (you).
彼はその役目を引き受けた。
He took on that duty/role.
Similar to 役目, but often implies a more defined or assigned role within a system or team. It can be translated as 'role' or 'duty'.
Refers to a 'mission' or 'assigned duty', often in a formal, military, or organizational context. It implies a specific task given by a superior.
Expressing a deep-seated sense of duty based on social relationships, gratitude, or moral obligation, often unique to Japanese culture.
A culturally specific concept of duty or obligation arising from social relationships, such as towards parents, teachers, or benefactors. It often involves reciprocity and can be burdensome.
This term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and may not have a direct English equivalent. Use only when referring to this specific type of social obligation.
義理を欠く。
To fail in one's social duty.
義理の両親に挨拶する。
To pay one's respects to one's parents-in-law (out of duty).
Refers to a debt of gratitude or a sense of obligation to repay a favor. It is closely related to 義理 but focuses on the feeling of indebtedness.
恩を返す。
To repay a debt of gratitude (fulfill one's duty to someone).
Expressing a personal sense of duty or calling that one feels compelled to do.
Means 'mission' or 'calling'. It implies a strong personal conviction that one has a duty to accomplish something important.
彼は自分の使命を果たした。
He fulfilled his mission/duty.
それが私の使命だと思う。
I believe that is my duty/calling.
Refers to one's 'true duty' or 'proper function'. It is often used in a philosophical or ethical context to describe what one ought to do.
義務 (gimu) is a formal, often legal or moral obligation. 責任 (sekinin) is responsibility, implying accountability. 役目 (yakume) is a role-based duty or task. Use 義務 for abstract duties (e.g., paying taxes), 責任 when you are answerable for something, and 役目 when it's your assigned job or function.
投票は義務ではないが、責任だ。
Voting is not a duty, but a responsibility.
掃除当番は私の役目だ。
Cleaning duty is my job.
In Japanese, possessive pronouns like 'one's' are often omitted or expressed through context. Instead of translating 'one's duty' literally as 人の義務, use the appropriate noun alone or with a contextual subject. For example, 'It is one's duty to...' becomes ...するのが義務だ or ...は義務です.
他人を助けるのは義務だ。
It is one's duty to help others.
彼女は声を上げるのが自分の務めだと感じた。
She felt it was her duty to speak up.
彼は文句を言わずに義務を果たした。
He did his duty without complaint.
チームでの自分の役割を理解する。
Understand one's duty/role in the team.
He is charged with an important duty/mission.
学生の本分は勉強することだ。
A student's duty is to study.