法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)

ほうてきぎむ
noun
legal obligation; legal duty
formallegallaw
1. legal obligation; legal duty
An obligation imposed by law that a person or organization must fulfill. Failure to comply may result in legal consequences such as penalties, lawsuits, or sanctions.
納税(のうぜい)は国民(こくみん)の法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)だ。
Paying taxes is a legal obligation of citizens.
企業(きぎょう)には従業員(じゅうぎょういん)の安全(あんぜん)を守(まも)る法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)がある。
Companies have a legal obligation to protect the safety of their employees.
法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)を怠(おこた)った場合(ばあい)、罰則(ばっそく)が科(か)されることがある。
If you neglect your legal obligations, penalties may be imposed.

A compound of 法的(ほうてき) (legal) and 義務(ぎむ) (obligation, duty). Distinguishes obligations enforceable by law from moral or social obligations.

Common collocations

  • 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)を負(お)う — to bear a legal obligation
  • 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)を果(は)たす — to fulfill a legal obligation
  • 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)を怠(おこた)る — to neglect a legal obligation
  • 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)がある — to have a legal obligation
  • 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ)違反(いはん) — breach of legal obligation

Similar words

  • 義務(ぎむ) — obligation, duty (broader; includes moral and social duties)
  • 道義的(どうぎてき)責任(せきにん) — moral responsibility (not legally enforceable)
  • 努力義務(どりょくぎむ) — best-effort obligation (encouraged by law but not strictly mandatory; a uniquely Japanese legal concept)
  • 法的責任(ほうてきせきにん) — legal responsibility (overlaps but emphasizes accountability for consequences rather than the duty itself)

Usage

Japanese law frequently distinguishes between 法的義務(ほうてきぎむ) (hard obligations with penalties) and 努力義務(どりょくぎむ) (soft obligations that encourage compliance without penalties). This distinction is common in labor, safety, and environmental regulations.

Related Words

Compare: 法的責任(ほうてきせきにん) (legal responsibility)
general
Added 2026.4.27 23:30 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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