义务
A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility that someone is required to fulfill. Often contrasted with 'rights'.
Examples
3 of 5父母有抚养子女的义务。
Parents have the obligation to raise their children.
九年义务教育在中国是强制性的。
Nine-year compulsory education is mandatory in China.
公司有义务保护员工的安全。
The company has an obligation to protect the safety of its employees.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Yi (义) means justice/righteousness. It is the righteous thing you must do.
Quick Quiz
每个公民都有纳税的___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 义务
Examples
父母有抚养子女的义务。
everydayParents have the obligation to raise their children.
九年义务教育在中国是强制性的。
academicNine-year compulsory education is mandatory in China.
公司有义务保护员工的安全。
businessThe company has an obligation to protect the safety of its employees.
履行义务是公民的责任。
formalFulfilling obligations is the responsibility of citizens.
我没有义务帮你做作业。
informalI have no obligation to help you with your homework.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
义务劳动
voluntary labor
义务咨询
free consultation (pro bono)
公民义务
civic duty
Often Confused With
'义务' is often a formal or legal requirement, while '责任' is a broader sense of responsibility or being to blame.
Usage Notes
Often used in legal or formal social contexts.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with '任务' (task). A task is specific work, while an obligation is a requirement.
Memory Tip
Yi (义) means justice/righteousness. It is the righteous thing you must do.
Word Origin
From 'Yi' (justice/righteousness) and 'Wu' (affair/task).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 'Yi' (义) carries a strong sense of moral righteousness.
Quick Quiz
每个公民都有纳税的___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 义务
Related Vocabulary
More society words
浪费
B1To use more of something than is necessary or to use it in a way that does not produce the best results. Common in discussions on resources and efficiency.
揭露
B1To reveal or expose something hidden, often something illegal, dishonest, or scandalous.
凸显
B1To make something stand out or become more prominent; to highlight a problem or characteristic.
改善
B1To make something better or to improve a situation that was previously unsatisfactory.
建立
B1To start, create, or set up an organization, system, or relationship, especially one that is intended to last for a long time.
冲突
B1A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. It can refer to physical combat or a clash between opposing ideas or interests.
角色
B1The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation. It can refer to theatrical parts or social functions.
交流
B1The exchange of information, ideas, or feelings between people. It can also refer to the exchange of cultures or goods.
社区
B1A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It often refers to a neighborhood or an online group.
设施
B1The buildings, equipment, and services provided for a particular purpose, such as public utilities or transportation.
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