Meaning
义务 refers to a moral or legal responsibility that one must fulfill. It encompasses both obligations imposed by law or society and duties one voluntarily undertakes. The word combines 义 (righteousness, justice) and 务 (affairs, business), suggesting matters of moral importance that must be attended to.
Usage
Commonly used in formal contexts, legal language, and discussions of social responsibility. Often appears in compound words like 义务教育 (compulsory education) and 义务兵 (conscript). Can also describe volunteer work when something is done without payment. Native speakers use it to discuss both legal obligations and moral duties.
Examples
- 01每个公民都有纳税的义务。.Every citizen has the obligation to pay taxes.
- 02中国实行九年义务教育制度。.China implements a nine-year compulsory education system.
Characters
Measure words
- 项一项义务
- 个一个义务
Common collocations
- 义务教育compulsory education
- 尽义务to fulfill one's duty
- 法律义务legal obligation
- 义务劳动voluntary labor
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 义 (righteousness) and 务 (affairs/must) creates the meaning of 'matters that one is righteously bound to do,' evolving into the modern sense of duty and obligation.