Translation guide
The English word 'compulsory' means required by law or rule. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 義務 (gimu) used as a noun or in compounds. Other expressions depend on whether it's about education, military service, or general obligations.
Expressing that something is mandatory according to regulations, laws, or official requirements.
Noun meaning 'duty' or 'obligation'. Often used in compounds like 義務教育 (compulsory education). Can be used with の to modify nouns.
日本では小学校と中学校が義務教育です。
In Japan, elementary and junior high school are compulsory education.
Noun meaning 'required' or 'compulsory', especially for school subjects or courses. Often used as 必修科目 (compulsory subject).
この科目は必修です。
This subject is compulsory.
Noun meaning 'compulsion' or 'coercion'. Used when something is forced upon someone, often with a negative nuance. 強制的な is the adjective form.
強制的な参加は避けるべきだ。
Compulsory participation should be avoided.
Noun meaning 'indispensable' or 'required'. Often used for requirements, conditions, or items that are mandatory. 必須の is the adjective form.
パスポートは必須です。
A passport is compulsory.
Referring specifically to education that is mandated by law.
The standard term for 'compulsory education'. Used as a noun.
義務教育は無償です。
Compulsory education is free.
Referring to mandatory service in the armed forces.
Noun meaning 'conscription system' or 'draft'. Used to describe compulsory military service as a system.
その国では徴兵制があります。
That country has compulsory military service.
Noun meaning 'military service obligation'. More formal and legalistic.
Referring to a subject that students must take.
Noun meaning 'compulsory subject' or 'required course'.
英語は必修科目ですか？
Is English a compulsory subject?
Describing an action that is forced or required, often by authority.
Na-adjective meaning 'compulsory' or 'forced'. Used to describe actions or measures.
強制的な措置が取られた。
Compulsory measures were taken.
義務 (gimu) is a general duty or obligation, often legal. 必修 (hisshuu) is specifically for required courses or subjects. 強制 (kyousei) implies force or coercion, and can have a negative nuance. Use 義務 for most 'compulsory' contexts, 必修 for education, and 強制 when emphasizing the lack of choice.
投票は義務ですか？
Is voting compulsory?
この授業は必修ですか？
Is this class compulsory?
強制労働は禁止されています。
Compulsory labor is prohibited.
兵役義務を果たす。
Fulfill one's compulsory military service.