Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Duty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "duty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
義務
ぎむ (gimu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
任務
にんむ (ninmu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 義務 and 任務.
In Japanese, 義務 (ぎむ (gimu)) is typically associated with "duty; obligation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a duty, obligation, or legal/moral responsibility. Contrast with 権利.
On the other hand, 任務 (にんむ (ninmu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "duty" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "義務"
国民には、納税の義務があります。
Citizens have a duty to pay taxes.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "国民には、納税の ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "Citizens have a duty to pay taxes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "義務" fits here because it means "duty; obligation" in the context of: "Citizens have a duty to pay taxes.". "任務" represents "duty, mission, task, assignment".