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.
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
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.
That is my responsibility/duty.
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.
To fulfill one's duty as a parent.
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.
It's my duty to guide (you).
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.
To fail in one's social 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.
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.
He fulfilled his mission/duty.
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.
Voting is not a duty, but a responsibility.
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.
It is one's duty to help others.
She felt it was her duty to speak up.
He did his duty without complaint.
He took on that duty/role.
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.
To pay one's respects to one's parents-in-law (out of duty).
To repay a debt of gratitude (fulfill one's duty to someone).
学生の本分は勉強することだ。
A student's duty is to study.