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'.
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
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.
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.
The standard term for customs duty or tariff.
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.
It's only natural (one's duty) to help people in trouble.
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.
My duty is to prepare for the meeting.
General word for 'work' or 'job'. Can be used for routine duties in a workplace.
My duties for today are done.
To carry out one's duties.
Business duties or operations. Common in office settings.
I will explain the job duties.
A high duty is imposed on this product.
Being on duty in a rotating system, like cleaning duty or night watch.
I'm on cleaning duty today.
Work shift or service, often used for police, military, or hospital shifts.
He is on night duty.