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
善管注意義務
ぜんかんちゅういぎむ (zenkanchuuigimu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 義務 and 善管注意義務.
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, 善管注意義務 (ぜんかんちゅういぎむ (zenkanchuuigimu)) maps to "duty of care of a good manager" (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 "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 "善管注意義務"
私は善管注意義務に興味があります。
I am interested in duty of care of a good manager.
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.". "善管注意義務" represents "duty of care of a good manager".