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March 24, 2026
义务(義務)yìwù(yi4wu4)
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.
Frequency#3601DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fulfilling one's 义务 is often seen as a reflection of personal integrity and social harmony. For example, the Confucian value of filial piety emphasizes the义务 of children to care for their parents, highlighting the importance of duty in family relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of 义 (yì) as representing a 'righteous' duty, as it sounds like 'yeet' when fulfilling one's obligations, and 务 (wù) as 'work' to remind you that duties often involve effort. Visualize someone frowning while working hard to fulfill their duties, making it a memorable image.
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AI Study Notes for 义务
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 义 (yì) as representing a 'righteous' duty, as it sounds like 'yeet' when fulfilling one's obligations, and 务 (wù) as 'work' to remind you that duties often involve effort. Visualize someone frowning while working hard to fulfill their duties, making it a memorable image.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fulfilling one's 义务 is often seen as a reflection of personal integrity and social harmony. For example, the Confucian value of filial piety emphasizes the义务 of children to care for their parents, highlighting the importance of duty in family relationships.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 义务
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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 8 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
直到1880年，英国才开始实行初等____教育。
Britain did not introduce compulsory primary education until
guò qù de yīng guó, , shēn shì yǒu yì wù zài yī wèi nǚ shì shàng chē shí fú tā yī.
Part of the gentleman's duty in former times was to hand a lady in when she entered her carriage in great Britain.
5
都帮忙.他们爱这个. 多咱他们像了一摊泥,他们才觉得上了算,他们满意, 还替我作义务的宣传.
dū bāng máng. . tā mén ài zhè. gè . duō zán tā mén xiàng le yī, tān ní , tā mén cái jué dé, shàng le suàn ,, tā mén mǎn yì , huán tì wǒ zuò.
They were pleased and satisfied; they advertised me to their friends.
Cultural Notes for 义务
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, fulfilling one's 义务 is often seen as a reflection of personal integrity and social harmony. For example, the Confucian value of filial piety emphasizes the义务 of children to care for their parents, highlighting the importance of duty in family relationships.
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.
Yes, 义务 is often used in professional settings to refer to the duties expected of employees or roles within an organization.
No, 义务 can refer to both legal obligations and voluntary commitments, such as social responsibilities or community service.
