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
結果回避義務
けっかかいひぎむ (kekkakaihigimu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 任務 and 結果回避義務.
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, 結果回避義務 (けっかかいひぎむ (kekkakaihigimu)) maps to "duty to avoid a negative outcome" (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 "結果回避義務"
私は結果回避義務に興味があります。
I am interested in duty to avoid a negative outcome.
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.". "結果回避義務" represents "duty to avoid a negative outcome".