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
忠実義務
ちゅうじつぎむ (chuujitsugimu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "duty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 義務 and 忠実義務.
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, 忠実義務 (ちゅうじつぎむ (chuujitsugimu)) maps to "duty of loyalty" (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 "忠実義務"
私は忠実義務に興味があります。
I am interested in duty of loyalty.
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.". "忠実義務" represents "duty of loyalty".