務(つと)め

つとめ
noun
duty, role
See also: 勤(つと)め (employment, work)
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(おや)としての務(つと)めを果(は)たす。
To fulfill one's duty as a parent.
務(つと)めを果(は)たす = to fulfill one's duty
市民(しみん)としての務(つと)めを忘(わす)れてはいけない。
We must not forget our duties as citizens.
それは国民(こくみん)の務(つと)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(しかい)の務(つと)めを引(ひ)き受(う)けた。
I accepted the role of emcee.
案内(あんない)の務(つと)めを頼(たの)まれた。
I was asked to serve as a guide.
主役(しゅやく)の務(つと)めを立派(りっぱ)に果(は)たした。
They splendidly fulfilled the lead role.

Usage: This kanji (務(つと)め) emphasizes duty, obligation, or role. Different from 勤(つと)め which emphasizes employment.

Common patterns

CONTRAST WITH 勤(つと)め:

  • 務(つと)め - duty, responsibility, obligation, role
  • 勤(つと)め - employment, working for a company

Both are read つとめ but have different nuances and kanji.

Related Words

Related: 務(つと)める (verb form)
Compare: 義務(ぎむ) (duty, obligation)
general
Added 2026.1.12 18:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
03000/03438_tsutome