1.
duty, responsibility, obligation
A task or role that one is expected to fulfill. Emphasizes the sense of responsibility or obligation rather than employment.
親としての務めを果たす。
To fulfill one's duty as a parent.
務めを果たす = to fulfill one's duty
市民としての務めを忘れてはいけない。
We must not forget our duties as citizens.
それは国民の務めだ。
That is a duty of the people.
2.
service, role (in a performance)
A role or part one plays, especially in formal or ceremonial contexts.
司会の務めを引き受けた。
I accepted the role of emcee.
案内の務めを頼まれた。
I was asked to serve as a guide.
主役の務めを立派に果たした。
They splendidly fulfilled the lead role.
USAGE: This kanji (務め) emphasizes duty, obligation, or role. Different from 勤め which emphasizes employment.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 務めを果たす (to fulfill one's duty)
- 務めを終える (to complete one's duty)
- 〜としての務め (one's duty as ~)
- お務め (polite: one's duty/role)
CONTRAST WITH 勤め:
- 務め - duty, responsibility, obligation, role
- 勤め - employment, working for a company
Both are read つとめ but have different nuances and kanji.