Translation guide
The English word "assignment" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories: a task or piece of work given to someone, the act of assigning something, and a legal transfer of rights. Each meaning has natural Japanese expressions.
A specific job, duty, or piece of work that someone is given to do, especially in school, work, or military contexts.
homework assignment · work assignment · military assignment · special assignment
The most common and versatile word for an assignment, task, or problem to be solved. Used for school homework, work projects, and general challenges.
今日の数学の課題は難しい。
Today's math assignment is difficult.
上司から新しい課題を与えられた。
I was given a new assignment by my boss.
Specifically refers to homework or a take-home assignment from school. Not used for work tasks.
週末にたくさんの宿題が出た。
We got a lot of homework assignments over the weekend.
A formal term for a mission, duty, or assignment, often used in military, police, or official contexts.
彼は極秘の任務を遂行した。
He carried out a top-secret assignment.
General word for work or job. Can be used for an assignment in a work context, but is broader than just a single task.
これは君の最初の仕事だ。
This is your first assignment.
Refers to an allotment, quota, or assigned portion. Used when something is allocated or apportioned, like a share of work or resources.
各チームに作業の割り当てが決められた。
Work assignments were decided for each team.
The process or action of giving someone a task, role, or position, or of designating something for a purpose.
the assignment of duties · assignment of seats · assignment of blame
The act of allocating or apportioning something, such as tasks, resources, or seats. Often used in compound verbs like 割り当てる.
座席の割り当てはまだ決まっていない。
The assignment of seats hasn't been decided yet.
Formal term for appointment or assignment of a person to a position or role.
Designation or specification; used when something is officially assigned or designated for a particular purpose.
Legal term for transfer or assignment of rights, property, etc. See the legal meaning below.
In law, the transfer of a right, property, or interest from one party to another.
assignment of a contract · assignment of a lease · assignment of intellectual property
The standard legal term for assignment or transfer of rights, property, or obligations.
契約の譲渡は書面で行わなければならない。
Assignment of the contract must be done in writing.
Transfer or assignment, often used for rights, ownership, or registration.
課題 (kadai) is a broad term for any assignment, task, or problem, including schoolwork, work projects, and personal challenges. 宿題 (shukudai) specifically means homework given by a school. Use 宿題 only for school assignments meant to be done at home.
The English word "assignment" is often translated as 割り当て (wariate), but this is mainly for allocation or quota. For a typical school or work task, use 課題 (kadai) or 宿題 (shukudai) instead.
明日までに終わらせなければならない課題がたくさんある。
I have a lot of assignments to finish by tomorrow.
先生は私たちに作文の課題を出した。
The teacher gave us a writing assignment.
彼の東京支社への赴任は予想外だった。
His assignment to the Tokyo office was unexpected.
Uses 赴任 (funin) for a job posting/assignment to a new location.
彼の新しい役職への任命が発表された。
His assignment to the new post was announced.
Assignment of parking spaces is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Assignment of a claim requires the debtor's consent.
We applied for registration of the assignment of trademark rights.