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
義理
ぎり (giri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 任務 and 義理.
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, 義理 (ぎり (giri)) maps to "duty, obligation, sense of duty, social obligation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A strong sense of social obligation or duty, especially in Japanese culture, often involving returning favors or fulfilling responsibilities towards others.. 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 "義理"
彼は友人の頼みを義理で断ることができなかった。
He couldn't refuse his friend's request out of obligation.
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.". "義理" represents "duty, obligation, sense of duty, social obligation".