Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Duty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "duty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
任務
にんむ (ninmu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
競業避止義務
きょうぎょうひしぎむ (kyougyouhishigimu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 任務 and 競業避止義務.
In Japanese, 任務 (にんむ (ninmu)) is typically associated with "duty, mission, task, assignment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A specific duty or task assigned to a person or group, often with a sense of responsibility or importance..
On the other hand, 競業避止義務 (きょうぎょうひしぎむ (kyougyouhishigimu)) maps to "duty of non-competition" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "duty" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "任務"
彼は重要な任務を果たすために、海外へ派遣された。
He was dispatched overseas to fulfill an important mission.
Bilingual Context for "競業避止義務"
私は競業避止義務に興味があります。
I am interested in duty of non-competition.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は重要な ＿＿＿ を果たすために、海外へ派遣された。" (Meaning: "He was dispatched overseas to fulfill an important mission.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "任務" fits here because it means "duty, mission, task, assignment" in the context of: "He was dispatched overseas to fulfill an important mission.". "競業避止義務" represents "duty of non-competition".