Meanings of 义务
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Podcast: 义务
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AI Study Notes for 义务
责任 (zérèn) - use 义务 when emphasizing a legally or morally mandated obligation, while 责任 focuses more on personal accountability or responsibility in a broader sense.
Learners often confuse 义务 with similar terms like 责任 (zérèn), which also means responsibility but has a slightly different nuance. 义务 is more focused on obligations, while 责任 can encompass a broader sense of responsibility. Be mindful of the tone when speaking, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK 5 word, 义务 connects well with other vocabulary around responsibilities and societal roles, such as 责任 (zérèn, responsibility) and 角色 (juésè, role). Focus on using it in context to describe both mandatory and voluntary duties to deepen your understanding.
Learners sometimes confuse 义务 with 自愿 (zìyuàn, voluntary), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying "我有自愿来做这个工作" (I have a voluntary to do this work) instead of "我有义务来做这个工作" (I have a duty to do this work) can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 义务
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Component Characters
How to say duty in Chinese
“duty” in Chinese is义务
义务 (yìwù) refers to a duty or obligation that an individual is required to fulfill. This word can denote both mandatory responsibilities, such as legal obligations, and voluntary commitments, such as community service. It's commonly used in discussions about civic responsibilities, workplace duties, and personal commitments.
When to use 义务
Learners often confuse 义务 with similar terms like 责任 (zérèn), which also means responsibility but has a slightly different nuance. 义务 is more focused on obligations, while 责任 can encompass a broader sense of responsibility. Be mindful of the tone when speaking, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
义务 or something close to it
责任 (zérèn) - use 义务 when emphasizing a legally or morally mandated obligation, while 责任 focuses more on personal accountability or responsibility in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 义务 with 自愿 (zìyuàn, voluntary), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying "我有自愿来做这个工作" (I have a voluntary to do this work) instead of "我有义务来做这个工作" (I have a duty to do this work) can lead to confusion.
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Grammar Patterns of 义务
义务 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
直到1880年，英国才开始实行初等____教育。
Britain did not introduce compulsory primary education until
Example Sentences for 义务 (5)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 义务
While both terms refer to responsibilities, 义务 emphasizes obligations that one must fulfill, whereas 责任 encompasses a broader sense of responsibility, including moral and ethical duties.
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