役目(やくめ)

やくめ
noun
duty, role, function
1. duty, role, part
A responsibility or function that someone is expected to fulfill.
司会(しかい)の役目(やくめ)を任(まか)された。
I was entrusted with the role of host/MC.
それは私(わたし)の役目(やくめ)ではありません。
That is not my job/responsibility.
親(おや)としての役目(やくめ)を果(は)たしたい。
I want to fulfill my duty as a parent.
2. function, purpose
The purpose or function that something serves.
この部品(ぶひん)は重要(じゅうよう)な役目(やくめ)を果(は)たしている。
This part plays an important function.
この壁(かべ)は防音(ぼうおん)の役目(やくめ)もある。
This wall also serves the function of soundproofing.
塩(しお)には食品(しょくひん)を保存(ほぞん)する役目(やくめ)がある。
Salt has the function of preserving food.

役目(やくめ) refers to duties, roles, or functions assigned to someone or something.

Common collocations:

  • 役目(やくめ)を果(は)たす (to fulfill one's duty/role)
  • 役目(やくめ)を終(お)える (to complete one's role)
  • 役目(やくめ)を任(まか)される (to be entrusted with a role)
  • 〜の役目(やくめ)がある (to have the function of ~)

Related terms:

  • 役割(やくわり) (role - similar but more commonly used for roles in society/relationships)
  • 任務(にんむ) (duty, mission - more formal)
  • 職務(しょくむ) (official duties)
  • 務(つと)め (duty, service)

Contrast:

  • 役目(やくめ) emphasizes the specific task or function
  • 役割(やくわり) emphasizes the position or part one plays

Related Words

Related: 役割(やくわり) (role)
general
Added 2026.1.13 20:59 · Revised 2026.2.19 23:52
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