Definition
义务 has two meanings: (1) as a noun, a duty or obligation — broader than 职责 (specific job duties) and less about blame than 责任. (2) as an adjective, 'volunteer, unpaid' — describing work done without pay, unlike 志愿者 (a person) or 自愿 (doing something willingly).
noun
dutyobligation
adjective
volunteerunpaid (work, service)
Measure word · 项
Easily confused
- 医务yī wùsound-alikemedical affairs; medical work
- 遗物yí wùsound-alikerelics (archaeological or historical)
Examples
- 义务。Bǎohù huánjìng shì měi gè gōngmín de yì wù.Protecting the environment is every citizen's duty.
- 义务。Tā zhōumò jīngcháng cānjiā yì wù láodòng.He often participates in volunteer labor on weekends.
- 义务，。Zhè shì fǎlǜ guīdìng de yì wù, nǐ bìxū zūnshǒu.This is a legal obligation; you must comply.
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