Translation guide
A single person or thing serving two functions or playing two parts. In Japanese, this is often expressed with compound nouns, set phrases, or descriptive clauses.
Describing a person who simultaneously holds two jobs, titles, or responsibilities.
Describing an object, space, or system that serves two purposes.
A versatile pattern meaning 'to also serve as'. Attach to a noun to indicate something has a secondary function.
この部屋は書斎を兼ねている。
This room serves the dual role of a study.
ソファがベッドを兼ねる。
The sofa doubles as a bed.
Describing an actor who plays two characters in the same production.
兼任 (けんにん) is used for people holding multiple positions, while 兼用 (けんよう) is used for objects or spaces serving multiple purposes. Do not mix them up.
彼は営業と経理を兼任している。
He holds the dual role of sales and accounting.
このバッグはリュック兼用です。
This bag serves the dual role of a backpack.
The direct translation '二重の役割' (にじゅうのやくわり) is understandable but sounds unnatural. Use the expressions above instead.
The most common and neutral way to say someone holds two positions concurrently, often used in professional contexts.
彼は社長と会長を兼任している。
He holds the dual role of president and chairman.
Literally 'to perform two roles', often used when someone skillfully handles two different functions, especially in performance or work.
彼女は監督と主演の二役をこなした。
She played the dual role of director and lead actor.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to wear two pairs of straw sandals', i.e., to hold two jobs or engage in two professions simultaneously. Often used for side businesses or dual careers.
彼は会社員と作家の二足のわらじを履いている。
He works a dual role as an office worker and a writer.
A noun meaning 'dual use' or 'combined use', often used in compounds like 兼用タイプ (dual-purpose type).
この机は食卓兼用です。
This desk serves the dual role of a dining table.
Literally 'two roles', can be used for objects that perform two functions, though more common for people.
この道具は二役を果たす。
This tool performs a dual role.
The standard term for a single actor playing two roles, common in theater and film.
彼はその映画で一人二役を演じた。
He played a dual role in that movie.
A more general way to say 'to play two roles', not necessarily by one actor, but often implies a dual role.
彼女は二役を演じ分けた。
She skillfully played a dual role.