1.
duty; responsibility; obligation
A formal term for duty or responsibility, especially one that comes with a role or position. Stronger and more formal than 義務.
責務を果たす。
To fulfill one's duty.
国民の安全を守る責務がある。
There is a duty to protect the safety of the people.
医師として患者に最善の治療を提供する責務を感じている。
As a doctor, I feel the responsibility to provide the best treatment to patients.
USAGE:
A formal, somewhat literary word for duty or responsibility. Often used in official, political, or organizational contexts. Implies a weighty obligation tied to one's position or role.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 責務を果たす (to fulfill a duty)
- 責務を負う (to bear a responsibility)
- 重大な責務 (a grave responsibility)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 義務: obligation — more general, used in everyday and legal contexts
- 任務: mission, assignment — focuses on a specific task rather than ongoing duty
- 職責: professional duty — specifically tied to one's job