B2 noun Neutral

의무

/ɯi.mu/

A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility. Often used in IELTS discussions about the role of government or citizens' duties.

Examples

3 of 5
1

맡은 의무를 다하세요.

Fulfill your duty.

2

납세의 의무는 헌법에 명시되어 있습니다.

The duty to pay taxes is specified in the constitution.

3

꼭 해야 하는 의무야?

Is it a mandatory duty?

Word Family

Noun
의무
Adverb
의무적으로
Adjective
의무적인
💡

Memory Tip

Ui (righteousness) + Mu (work) = Righteous work you must do.

Quick Quiz

모든 국민은 교육을 받을 권리와 교육을 시킬 ( )가 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 의무

Examples

1

맡은 의무를 다하세요.

everyday

Fulfill your duty.

2

납세의 의무는 헌법에 명시되어 있습니다.

formal

The duty to pay taxes is specified in the constitution.

3

꼭 해야 하는 의무야?

informal

Is it a mandatory duty?

4

기업의 사회적 의무에 대한 논쟁이 계속되고 있다.

academic

The debate over the social responsibility/duty of corporations continues.

5

계약서에 명시된 의무 사항을 확인하십시오.

business

Please check the obligatory items specified in the contract.

Word Family

Noun
의무
Adverb
의무적으로
Adjective
의무적인

Common Collocations

의무를 다하다 to fulfill one's duty
의무 교육 compulsory education
법적 의무 legal obligation
의무 사항 obligatory matters
도덕적 의무 moral duty

Common Phrases

의무를 저버리다

to neglect one's duty

의무적으로 참석하다

to attend obligatorily

국방의 의무

duty of national defense

Often Confused With

의무 vs 책임

의무 is a 'duty' that must be done, while 책임 is 'responsibility' for the outcome or consequences.

📝

Usage Notes

Often paired with its antonym '권리' (right).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't confuse with '의미' (meaning).

💡

Memory Tip

Ui (righteousness) + Mu (work) = Righteous work you must do.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 義務 (duty/obligation).

Grammar Patterns

~할 의무가 있다 의무적으로 ~하다
🌍

Cultural Context

Mandatory military service in Korea is called '국방의 의무'.

Quick Quiz

모든 국민은 교육을 받을 권리와 교육을 시킬 ( )가 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 의무

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