Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "義務" vs "権利"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
義務
ぎむ (gimu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
権利
けんり (kenri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 義務 and 権利 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
義務 (ぎむ (gimu)) represents "duty; obligation; responsibility" (Level: N2) and typically represents Something that one is morally or legally bound to do. Contrasts with 権利.
On the other hand, 権利 (けんり (kenri)) translates to "right; privilege; claim" (Level: N2) and is used for Something one is entitled to have or do. Contrasts with 義務. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "義務"
子供を教育するのは親の義務だ。
Educating children is a parent's duty.
Bilingual Sentence for "権利"
全ての国民には教育を受ける権利がある。
All citizens have the right to receive education.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供を教育するのは親の ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "Educating children is a parent's duty.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "義務" fits here because it represents "duty; obligation; responsibility" in the context: "Educating children is a parent's duty.".