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What is the Kanji for "Duty" and "Task"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Duty" and "Task", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Duty" and "Task" is "務".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Tsuto".

Its onyomi reading is "Mu".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "矛" means "Halberd" and can be read as "Mu" and "Hoko". And The component "务" .

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "務" mean in japanese?

"務" means "Duty" and "Task" .

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N3 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

事務: "Office work". The Japanese noun '事務 (じむ)' refers to 'office work' or 'administrative tasks'. It is commonly used to describe tasks related to managing paperwork, organizing schedules, or handling general administrative duties in an office setting. For example: I handle office work「私は事務を担当しています」(わたしはじむをたんとうしています). Office work is busy today「今日は事務が忙しい」(きょうはじむがいそがしい). This word is often used in professional contexts and can be combined with other words to form compound nouns, such as '事務所 (じむしょ)' (office) or '事務員 (じむいん)' (office worker).
義務: "Duty" or "Obligation". The Japanese noun '義務 (ぎむ)' refers to a moral or legal responsibility that one is required to fulfill. It can be used in various contexts, such as societal duties, legal obligations, or personal responsibilities. For example: It is the duty of citizens to pay taxes「国民の義務は税金を払うことです」(こくみんのぎむはぜいきんをはらうことです). Parents have an obligation to raise their children「親は子供を育てる義務があります」(おやはこどもをそだてるぎむがあります). The word emphasizes a sense of responsibility that is often non-negotiable or expected by society or law.
業務: "Work". The Japanese noun '業務 (ぎょうむ)' refers to 'work' or 'business operations'. It is commonly used in professional or corporate settings to describe tasks, duties, or activities related to one's job or the functioning of an organization. For example: He is in charge of office work「彼は事務業務を担当している」(かれはじむぎょうむをたんとうしている). The company is streamlining its operations「その会社は業務を効率化している」(そのかいしゃはぎょうむをこうりつかしている). This term is often used in formal contexts and can encompass a wide range of professional activities.
事務所: "Office". The Japanese noun '事務所 (じむしょ)' refers to an 'office', a place where administrative or professional work is conducted. This term is commonly used to describe the physical location where business activities, such as paperwork, meetings, and other clerical tasks, are carried out. It can be used in various contexts, such as a law office, a real estate office, or a general business office. For example: I went to the office today「今日、事務所に行きました」(きょう、じむしょにいきました). The office is on the third floor「事務所は三階にあります」(じむしょはさんがいにあります). The word is neutral and can be applied to both small and large offices, regardless of the specific type of work being done.
事務室: "Office". The Japanese noun '事務室 (じむしつ)' refers to an 'office', specifically a room where administrative or clerical work is conducted. This term is commonly used in workplaces, schools, or institutions to denote a space dedicated to handling paperwork, management tasks, or other official duties. For example: The manager is in the office「マネージャーは事務室にいます」(マネージャーはじむしつにいます). Please submit the documents to the office「書類を事務室に提出してください」(しょるいをじむしつにていしゅつしてください). The word emphasizes the functional aspect of the space rather than its size or appearance.
債務: "Debt". The Japanese noun '債務 (さいむ)' refers to a financial obligation or debt. It is commonly used in legal, financial, or business contexts to describe liabilities or obligations that one party owes to another. For example: The company has a large debt「その会社は大きな債務を抱えている」(そのかいしゃはおおきなさいむをかかえている). He is responsible for paying the debt「彼は債務を支払う責任がある」(かれはさいむをしはらうせきにんがある). This term is often used in formal settings and is distinct from more casual terms for debt like '借金 (しゃっきん)'.
務める: "Serve" or "Fulfill". The Japanese verb '務める (つとめる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to serve' in a role or position, such as in a job or duty. For example: He serves as the company president「彼は社長を務める」(かれはしゃちょうをつとめる). The second meaning is 'to fulfill' a responsibility or obligation. For example: She fulfilled her role as a mother「彼女は母親としての役割を務めた」(かのじょはははおやとしてのやくわりをつとめた). This verb is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe taking on a role or responsibility.
勤務: "Work" or "Service". The Japanese verbal noun '勤務 (きんむ)' refers to the act of working or being employed, often in a formal or professional capacity. It is commonly used to describe one's job duties, employment status, or the act of serving in a specific role. For example: I work at a company「私は会社に勤務しています」(わたしはかいしゃにきんむしています). His service in the military was commendable「彼の軍隊での勤務は称賛に値する」(かれのぐんたいでのきんむはしょうさんにあたいする). The word is often used in contexts related to employment, such as '勤務時間 (きんむじかん)' (working hours) or '勤務先 (きんむさき)' (place of work).
公務員: "Civil servant". The Japanese noun '公務員 (こうむいん)' refers to a 'civil servant' or 'public servant'. This term is used to describe individuals who work for the government or public sector, performing administrative, clerical, or other official duties. The role of a 公務員 is often associated with stability and respect in Japanese society. For example: He became a civil servant「彼は公務員になった」(かれはこうむいんになった). Civil servants work for the public good「公務員は公共の利益のために働く」(こうむいんはこうきょうのりえきのためにはたらく). The term can also be used in a broader sense to include various levels of government employees, from local to national.
事務員: "Clerk". The Japanese noun '事務員 (じむいん)' refers to a 'clerk' or 'office worker'. This term is commonly used to describe someone who performs administrative or clerical tasks in an office setting. It is a neutral term and does not imply any specific rank or seniority. For example: She works as a clerk「彼女は事務員として働いています」(かのじょはじむいんとしてはたらいています). The clerk is organizing the documents「事務員が書類を整理しています」(じむいんがしょるいをせいりしています). This word is often used in professional or formal contexts to describe someone handling routine office duties.
公務: "Official duty". The Japanese noun '公務 (こうむ)' refers to 'official duty' or 'public service'. It is commonly used to describe work or responsibilities carried out by government employees or public officials. This term emphasizes the formal and public nature of the duties. For example: He is busy with official duties「彼は公務で忙しい」(かれはこうむでいそがしい). Public officials must prioritize their official duties「公務員は公務を優先しなければならない」(こうむいんはこうむをゆうせんしなければならない). The word is often associated with roles in government, administration, or public institutions.
外務省: "Foreign affairs". The Japanese noun '外務省 (がいむしょう)' refers to the 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'. This is the government department responsible for handling Japan's international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It is often used in formal or official contexts. For example: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the new policy「外務省は新しい政策を発表した」(がいむしょうはあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). He works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs「彼は外務省で働いている」(かれはがいむしょうではたらいている). The term is specific to Japan's governmental structure and is not used to describe foreign affairs ministries in other countries.
職務: "Duties". The Japanese noun '職務 (しょくむ)' refers to the duties or responsibilities associated with a particular job or position. It is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe the tasks one is expected to perform as part of their role. For example: He is focused on his duties「彼は職務に集中している」(かれはしょくむにしゅうちゅうしている). The manager explained the duties of the new position「マネージャーは新しいポジションの職務を説明した」(マネージャーはあたらしいポジションのしょくむをせつめいした). This term emphasizes the formal and obligatory nature of the tasks involved.
財務: "Finance". The Japanese noun '財務 (ざいむ)' refers to 'finance' or 'financial affairs'. It is commonly used in contexts related to the management of money, especially in corporate or governmental settings. For example: The company's finance department is very efficient「会社の財務部門は非常に効率的です」(かいしゃのざいむぶもんはひじょうにこうりつてきです). He is in charge of the financial affairs of the organization「彼は組織の財務を担当しています」(かれはそしきのざいむをたんとうしています). This term is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss financial management, budgeting, or accounting.
刑務所: "Prison". The Japanese noun '刑務所 (けいむしょ)' refers to a 'prison' or 'penitentiary', a facility where individuals convicted of crimes are incarcerated. This term is specifically used for institutions that house individuals serving sentences for criminal offenses. It is a formal term and is commonly used in legal and official contexts. For example: He was sent to prison「彼は刑務所に送られた」(かれはけいむしょにおくられた). The prison is located outside the city「その刑務所は市の外にあります」(そのけいむしょはしのそとにあります). Note that '刑務所' is distinct from other terms like '拘置所 (こうちしょ)', which refers to a detention center for individuals awaiting trial.
任務: "Duty". The Japanese noun '任務 (にんむ)' means 'duty' or 'mission'. It refers to a specific task or responsibility assigned to someone, often in a professional, military, or organizational context. This word carries a formal tone and is commonly used in serious or official situations. For example: He fulfilled his duty「彼は任務を果たした」(かれはにんむをはたした). The soldier was given an important mission「その兵士は重要な任務を与えられた」(そのへいしはじゅうようなにんむをあたえられた). Note that '任務' is often used in contexts involving responsibility, obligation, or assignments that require commitment.
外務: "Foreign affairs". The Japanese noun '外務 (がいむ)' refers to 'foreign affairs' or matters related to international relations. It is commonly used in contexts involving diplomacy, international politics, or external relations of a country. For example: He works in foreign affairs「彼は外務に従事している」(かれはがいむにじゅうじしている). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is called '外務省 (がいむしょう)' in Japanese. This term is often used in formal or governmental contexts.
総務: "General affairs". The Japanese noun '総務 (そうむ)' refers to 'general affairs' or 'administrative matters.' It typically denotes the department or role within a company or organization that manages overall administrative functions, such as human resources, office operations, and general management tasks. Example: He is responsible for general affairs 「彼は総務を担当しています」 (かれはそうむをたんとうしています). The general affairs department handles various administrative tasks 「総務部はさまざまな管理業務を扱います」 (そうむぶはさまざまなかんりぎょうむをあつかいます). This term is commonly used in business contexts to describe administrative functions.
実務: "Practical work". The Japanese noun '実務 (じつむ)' refers to practical work or tasks that are part of one's job or profession. It emphasizes the actual, hands-on aspects of work rather than theoretical or academic knowledge. This term is often used in professional or business contexts to describe day-to-day operations or responsibilities. For example: He is experienced in practical work「彼は実務に慣れている」(かれはじつむになれている). Practical work is essential for this job「この仕事には実務が不可欠だ」(このしごとにはじつむがふかけつだ).
務め: "Duty". The Japanese noun '務め (つとめ)' refers to a duty, task, or responsibility that one is expected to fulfill. It often implies a sense of obligation or a role that one must perform, whether in a professional, social, or personal context. For example: It is my duty to protect the environment「環境を守るのが私の務めです」(かんきょうをまもるのがわたしのつとめです). His duty is to lead the team「彼の務めはチームを率いることです」(かれのつとめはチームをひきいることです). This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts to emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities.
刑務: "Prison". The Japanese noun '刑務 (けいむ)' refers to 'prison' or 'penal servitude'. It is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the institution where individuals serve their sentences for crimes. The term can also be associated with the concept of incarceration or imprisonment. For example: He was sent to prison「彼は刑務所に送られた」(かれはけいむしょにおくられた). The prison is located far from the city「その刑務所は街から遠くにあります」(そのけいむしょはまちからとおくにあります). Note that '刑務' is often part of the compound word '刑務所 (けいむしょ)', which specifically means 'prison' or 'penitentiary'.
法務: "Legal affairs". The Japanese noun '法務 (ほうむ)' refers to 'legal affairs' or matters related to the law. This term is often used in professional or formal contexts, such as within companies, government offices, or legal institutions. It encompasses activities like legal compliance, contract management, and other legal-related tasks. For example: He works in legal affairs「彼は法務に従事している」(かれはほうむにじゅうじしている). The company has a strong legal affairs department「その会社は強力な法務部を持っている」(そのかいしゃはきょうりょくなほうむぶをもっている). The term is commonly used in compound words like '法務部 (ほうむぶ)' (legal department) or '法務局 (ほうむきょく)' (legal affairs bureau).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "む" is read as "mu". The hiragana "つ" is read as "tsu". And The hiragana "と" is read as "to".

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