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B1 verb #2,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

務める

tsutomeru Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you might not use '務める' (tsutomeru) often, as it is a bit formal. However, you can understand it as a special way to say 'I am doing a role.' For example, if you are in a school play and you are the 'King,' you are 'serving' as the King. It is like saying 'I am the [Role].' At this level, just remember that it is used for jobs or parts in a play. It is different from 'taberu' (eat) or 'nomu' (drink) because it describes a position you have. You will mostly see it in simple sentences like 'I am the MC' or 'He is the captain.' Don't worry about the difficult kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'tsutomeru' and the idea of having a 'part' to play in a group. It's a very 'official' word.

At the A2 level, you start to see '務める' in contexts like school clubs or simple work introductions. You should begin to distinguish it from the basic verb 'suru' (to do). While 'suru' is general, 'tsutomeru' is for specific roles. For example, 'shikai o suru' (to do the MCing) is okay, but 'shikai o tsutomeru' sounds more like you are officially the MC. You might encounter it in reading passages about people's jobs or responsibilities. A key point for A2 learners is the particle 'o' (を). You 'tsutomeru' a role. You should also be aware that there are other words that sound the same, so look at the context. If the sentence is about a role like 'leader' or 'captain,' it's likely this 'tsutomeru.'

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the clear distinction between the three homophones: 務める (role), 勤める (employment), and 努める (effort). This is a common point in language exams. For 務める, focus on the 'role' aspect. You use it for titles (President, Manager, Chairperson) and artistic roles (Lead actor, Hero). You should be able to use it in the formal 'masu' form and understand it in news reports or formal announcements. You will also see it in the potential form 'tsutomerareru' (can serve as). At this level, you should start using it in your own speech when describing your responsibilities in a project or a club to sound more professional and precise.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the formal nuances of 務める. You will encounter it in complex business documents, news articles about government appointments, and literature. You should understand how it differs from 'tantō suru' (to be in charge) and 'enjiru' (to perform). B2 learners should be comfortable using the humble form 'tsutomeさせていただきます' (I will humbly serve as...) in business emails or formal introductions. You should also recognize the compound verb 'tsutome-ageru,' which means to successfully complete one's term of service. Your ability to choose the correct kanji (務) in writing is essential at this stage, as using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the subtle sociolinguistic implications of 務める. You understand that using this verb acknowledges the social contract and the expectations inherent in a role. You can analyze its use in political rhetoric, where it emphasizes public duty and service. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'yaku o hatasu' (to fulfill a role) and 'yaku o tsutomeru' (to serve in a role). C1 learners should also be familiar with more obscure roles and formal titles that pair with this verb. Your usage should be flawless in high-level business negotiations or academic presentations, where the choice of 務める adds a layer of authority and institutional recognition to your speech.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 務める. You can appreciate its use in classical or highly formal literature and understand the historical weight the kanji carries. You can distinguish between the nuanced 'flavor' it gives to a sentence compared to its synonyms in any context. You might use it metaphorically or in highly specialized legal or administrative contexts. For a C2 learner, 務める is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for precise social positioning. You understand the 'wa' (harmony) it maintains by clearly defining roles within a hierarchy. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in others' speech or writing, and you understand the stylistic reasons why an author might choose 務める over a more common alternative.

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務める in 30 Sekunden

務める (tsutomeru) means to serve in a specific role or capacity, such as an MC, chairperson, or lead actor.
It is a formal verb that focuses on the duty or title you hold during an event or within an organization.
It is grammatically transitive, almost always using the particle 'o' (を) with the role being performed.
Crucially, it differs from its homophones 勤める (to work at a place) and 努める (to make an effort).

The Japanese verb 務める (tsutomeru) is a cornerstone of Japanese formal and functional language, specifically used to describe the act of serving in a particular capacity, performing a specific role, or fulfilling a duty. Unlike its homophones, which focus on employment or effort, this specific kanji 務 emphasizes the 'task' or 'office' one holds. When you use 務める, you are communicating that you are the person responsible for a certain function within a group, an event, or a professional setting.

Core Concept: The primary essence of 務める is 'to act as' or 'to play the part of.' It is inherently linked to the concept of yaku (役), meaning role or duty. Whether you are the chairperson of a meeting, the lead actor in a play, or the host of a party, you are 'serving' in that role.
Grammatical Context: It is a transitive verb (他動詞), typically taking the particle を (o) to indicate the role being performed. For example, shikai o tsutomeru (to serve as the master of ceremonies).

彼はこの会議の議長を務めることになった。
(He has been appointed to serve as the chairperson of this meeting.)

Understanding 務める requires a deep dive into the Japanese social structure of 'roles.' In Japanese society, the role one plays often defines their interactions and linguistic choices. By using 務める, a speaker acknowledges the weight of the responsibility they have undertaken. It is not merely 'doing a job,' but 'occupying a position' that has specific expectations attached to it. This is why it is frequently used in formal introductions and official announcements.

彼女は主役を務める実力がある。
(She has the ability to play the leading role.)

Historical Etymology: The kanji 務 consists of components representing 'spear/halberd' and 'strength/effort.' Historically, it referred to the duties or tasks one performed, often in a military or administrative context, emphasizing the execution of a required task.

In modern Japanese, the word has softened from its military origins but retains the sense of 'official capacity.' You will see it in news reports when a politician takes on a new portfolio, or in theater programs listing the cast. It is a word of action, but an action defined by social or professional boundaries. It is the verb of 'becoming' the function you are assigned.

新入社員が受付を務める。
(The new employee will serve as the receptionist.)

To summarize, 務める is about the 'what' of your position. It answers the question, 'What role are you performing?' It is formal, precise, and carries a sense of professional dignity. Whether in a school play or a corporate boardroom, 務める is the verb that bridges the person and the position they inhabit.

Using 務める correctly requires understanding its specific syntactic patterns and the nouns it typically pairs with. Because it focuses on roles and duties, it follows a very consistent structure: [Role/Position] + を + 務める. This section will break down the mechanics of using this verb in various contexts, from casual-formal to highly professional settings.

The Role Marker (を): The most common mistake for learners is confusing the particles used with the three 'tsutomeru' homophones. For 務める, the particle is almost always を. You are performing the role. Contrast this with 勤める (to be employed), which uses に (e.g., 銀行に勤める).

司会を務めるのは初めてです。
(It is my first time serving as the MC.)

When constructing sentences, think about the specific 'hat' the person is wearing. Common nouns that precede 務める include: shikai (MC), gichō (chairperson), shuyaku (protagonist), kantoku (director), shinjin (judge), and daiyaku (substitute). In each case, the person is not just 'doing' something; they are 'acting as' the entity described by the noun.

Tense and Aspect: The continuous form 務めている is used when someone is currently holding a position or playing a role over a period. For example, 'He is currently serving as the president' would be shachō o tsutomete iru.

彼は3年間、キャプテンを務めました。
(He served as the captain for three years.)

In business contexts, 務める is a 'safe' and professional word. It avoids the ambiguity of more casual verbs like yaru (to do). If you are asked to introduce yourself and your role in a project, saying 'I am serving as the lead developer' using 務める sounds much more authoritative and respectful than simply saying you are 'doing' the development.

Comparison with 'Enjiru' (演じる): In the context of acting, 務める and 演じる are both used. However, 演じる focuses on the artistic performance and the 'acting' itself, while 務める focuses on the responsibility of the role within the production. An actor 'serves' as the lead.

誰がその大役を務めるのですか？
(Who is going to perform that major role?)

Finally, remember that 務める is specifically for roles that have a title or a clear set of duties. You wouldn't use it for general tasks like 'cleaning' or 'cooking' unless those were official roles (e.g., 'serving as the head chef'). It elevates the action to a position of status.

You will encounter 務める in a variety of structured social environments in Japan. It is a word that thrives in the 'omote' (public/formal) sphere of life. From the moment you turn on the television to the time you attend a corporate function, the word serves as a marker of officiality and organized social structure.

Media and Entertainment: On variety shows or news programs, you will constantly hear the phrase shikai o tsutomemasu (I will be serving as the MC). When a new movie is announced, the press release will state which actor shuyaku o tsutomeru (will play the lead role). It provides a sense of formal assignment.

今回の特番では、佐藤さんが司会を務めます。
(In this special program, Mr. Sato will serve as the MC.)

In the business world, 務める is the standard verb for describing executive positions. When a company announces a change in leadership, the language used is highly standardized. 'Mr. Tanaka will serve as the new CEO' is expressed using 務める. It conveys that the position is a duty being entrusted to the individual by the organization.

Educational Settings: In schools, students often take on roles like gakkyū iin (class representative) or buchō (club captain). Teachers will use 務める to describe these responsibilities, reinforcing the idea that these are formal duties within the school community.

彼は3年間、野球部のキャプテンを務め上げた。
(He served out his full term as the baseball club captain for three years.)

Ceremonial occasions, such as weddings or funerals, are also prime locations for this verb. The person giving the opening remarks or the person acting as the witness will be described as 務める. In these high-stakes social situations, the word provides a necessary layer of gravitas. It signals that the person is acting not as an individual, but as a representative of a specific function.

Political Discourse: In political news, ministers 'serve' in their portfolios. The verb highlights the public service aspect of the job. It is common to hear gaishō o tsutomeru (to serve as Foreign Minister).

首相を務めるのは大変な重責だ。
(Serving as Prime Minister is a heavy responsibility.)

Whether it's a small role in a community festival or a high-ranking government position, 務める is the linguistic thread that connects individuals to their societal duties. It is ubiquitous in any context where 'who does what' is formally defined.

The most significant challenge with 務める is not the word itself, but its two homophones: 勤める and 努める. All three are pronounced 'tsutomeru,' but they have distinct meanings, kanji, and grammatical requirements. Mixing them up is a very common error for both learners and occasionally native speakers in fast writing.

Mistake 1: 務める vs. 勤める: 勤める (K勤) means 'to be employed' or 'to work for a company.' It uses the particle に. 務める (M務) means 'to serve as a role.' It uses the particle を. If you say 'Ginkō o tsutomeru' (using 務), it sounds like you are literally 'acting as the bank' in a play, rather than working there.

❌ 銀行を務める (Incorrect for 'work at a bank')
✅ 銀行に勤める (Correct: To be employed at a bank)
✅ 銀行員を務める (Correct: To serve as a bank teller/role)

The distinction lies in the relationship. 勤める is about the place of employment. 務める is about the function or title you hold. You can 勤める (work) at a company while you 務める (serve) as the manager.

Mistake 2: 務める vs. 努める: 努める (N努) means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive.' It is related to doryoku (effort). It often takes the particle に or follows a verb in the dictionary form + よう(に). Using 務める when you mean 'to try hard' is a common kanji error.

❌ 問題の解決に務める (Incorrect kanji)
✅ 問題の解決に努める (Correct: Strive to solve the problem)

Another mistake is using 務める for informal or vague roles. You wouldn't usually say 'I'll serve as the person who carries the bags' using 務める unless it's a joke or a very formal environment. For informal tasks, yaru or tantō suru is more appropriate. 務める carries a weight of 'official position' that can sound overly stiff if used for trivial things.

Mistake 3: Particle Confusion: Learners often use として (as) with 務める, such as 'Gichō toshite tsutomeru.' While not strictly 'wrong' in all contexts, it is redundant. The verb 務める already implies 'acting as.' The standard form is simply 'Gichō o tsutomeru.'

✅ 司会を務める (Natural)
❓ 司会として務める (Slightly redundant, though used for emphasis sometimes)

By mastering these distinctions, you avoid the 'tsutomeru trap' and demonstrate a high level of Japanese proficiency. Always check: Is it a place (勤)? Is it effort (努)? Or is it a role (務)?

While 務める is specific to roles, several other Japanese words overlap in meaning. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the most natural expression for any given situation.

1. 担当する (tantō suru): Meaning: To be in charge of; to be responsible for.
Difference: 担当する is more functional and less 'titled' than 務める. You 担当 (are in charge of) a project or a specific task, but you 務める (serve as) the manager. 担当 is very common in daily business operations.

私がこのプロジェクトを担当します。
(I am in charge of this project.)

2. 演じる (enjiru): Meaning: To perform; to act; to play a part.
Difference: 演じる focuses on the performance aspect—the acting, the emotions, and the stagecraft. 務める focuses on the assignment—the fact that you have been given the role to fulfill. In a theater program, both are used, but 務める sounds more formal regarding the cast list.

3. 働く (hataraku): Meaning: To work.
Difference: 働く is the most general term for labor. It doesn't imply a specific role or a specific place of employment necessarily. 務める is much more specific about the 'what' of the work.

彼はエンジニアとして働いている。
(He is working as an engineer.)

4. 就く (tsuku): Meaning: To take (a seat/position); to enter (employment).
Difference: 就く is often used for the start of a role or the act of taking a position (e.g., shoku ni tsuku - to get a job). 務める describes the ongoing act of fulfilling that position.

In summary, choose 務める when you want to emphasize the formal 'role' or 'duty' you are carrying out. Use 担当する for daily tasks, 演じる for artistic performance, and 勤める for the place you receive your paycheck from. This precision is what makes your Japanese sound natural and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

私は司会を務めます。

I will serve as the MC.

Simple [Role] + を + 務めます structure.

彼はキャプテンを務める。

He serves as the captain.

Dictionary form used for a general fact.

彼女は主役を務めました。

She played the lead role.

Past tense 'tsutomemashita'.

だれがリーダーを務めますか？

Who will serve as the leader?

Question form with 'dare ga'.

お父さんは社長を務めています。

My father is serving as the president.

Continuous form 'tsutomete imasu' for current status.

私が受付を務めるよ。

I'll serve as the receptionist.

Casual 'yo' particle at the end.

先生が審判を務める。

The teacher will serve as the referee.

Subject 'sensei' with particle 'ga'.

田中さんが議長を務めた。

Mr. Tanaka served as the chairperson.

Past tense 'tsutometa'.

彼は3年間、学級委員を務めました。

He served as the class representative for three years.

Duration '3-nenkan' added to the sentence.

新しい映画で、彼女はヒロインを務める。

In the new movie, she will play the heroine.

Contextual phrase 'atarashii eiga de' added.

誰が司会を務めるか知っていますか？

Do you know who will serve as the MC?

Embedded question 'ka shitte imasu ka'.

彼はこのプロジェクトのリーダーを務めている。

He is serving as the leader of this project.

Possessive 'no' linking project and leader.

私は去年の文化祭で実行委員を務めました。

I served as an organizing committee member at last year's school festival.

Specific time 'kyonen no bunkasai' used.

彼女は有名な劇団で主役を務めている。

She is playing the lead role in a famous theater troupe.

Location 'de' indicating where the role is performed.

彼なら立派に部長を務められるでしょう。

He will probably be able to serve as the club head admirably.

Potential form 'tsutomerareru' + 'deshō'.

父は長年、町内会長を務めてきた。

My father has served as the neighborhood association president for many years.

Aspect 'tsutomete kita' indicating action from past to present.

彼はその会議で議長を務めることになった。

It was decided that he would serve as the chairperson at that meeting.

Grammar 'koto ni natta' (it was decided).

彼女はドラマで母親の役を務めている。

She is playing the role of a mother in the drama.

Using 'yaku' (role) explicitly with 務める.

司会を務める際は、落ち着いて話すことが大切だ。

When serving as the MC, it's important to speak calmly.

Conditional 'sai wa' (when/on the occasion of).

彼は病気の同僚の代わりに、急遽司会を務めた。

He suddenly served as the MC in place of a sick colleague.

'no kawari ni' (instead of).

大役を務めることになり、緊張しています。

I am nervous because I have been assigned a major role.

Causal 'node/koto ni nari' linking the role to the feeling.

彼女は通訳を務めるために、毎日勉強している。

She studies every day in order to serve as an interpreter.

'tame ni' (in order to).

彼が監督を務めた映画が賞を取った。

The movie he directed (served as director for) won an award.

Relative clause modifying 'eiga'.

責任を持って、この役を務めさせていただきます。

I will serve in this role with responsibility.

Humble form 'tsutomeさせていただきます'.

彼は外務大臣を務めた経験がある。

He has experience serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

'keiken ga aru' (have experience).

今回の舞台で、彼は一人二役を務める。

In this play, he will perform two roles by himself.

'Hitori futayaku' (one person, two roles).

彼女は長年にわたり、その雑誌の編集長を務めてきた。

She has served as the editor-in-chief of that magazine for many years.

'ni watari' (over a period of time).

彼にその重責が務まるかどうか、周囲は心配している。

Those around him are worried about whether he can handle (serve in) that heavy responsibility.

Intransitive potential 'tsutomaru' (to be fit for/able to handle).

彼は引退するまで、そのチームの監督を務め上げた。

He served out his term as the team's manager until he retired.

Compound verb 'tsutome-ageru' (to finish serving).

彼女は日本大使を務めるために、ワシントンへ赴いた。

She went to Washington to serve as the Japanese Ambassador.

Formal verb 'omomuita' (went/proceeded).

誰が次期社長を務めるべきか、議論が続いている。

Discussions continue regarding who should serve as the next president.

'beki ka' (should/ought to).

彼はその映画で、悪役を見事に務めてみせた。

He brilliantly played the role of the villain in that movie.

'te miseta' (showed/demonstrated doing something).

彼はその国際会議の議長という大役を、遺漏なく務め上げた。

He performed the major role of chairperson for the international conference without any oversight.

Adverbial 'irō naku' (without omission/flawlessly).

彼女は、伝統芸能の継承者としての重責を務めている。

She is fulfilling the heavy responsibility of being a successor to traditional performing arts.

Abstract role 'keishōsha' (successor).

彼が主役を務めることで、作品に深みが増した。

By him playing the lead, the work gained more depth.

'koto de' (by/through the fact that).

新大臣は、国民の期待に応えて職務を務める決意を語った。

The new minister spoke of his determination to perform his duties in response to the people's expectations.

'ni kotaete' (in response to).

彼は長年、その組織の顧問を務め、多大な貢献をしてきた。

He served as an advisor to the organization for many years and made significant contributions.

Te-form used for listing actions.

その俳優は、実在の人物を演じる難役を立派に務めた。

The actor admirably performed the difficult role of playing a real-life person.

Noun 'nan-yaku' (difficult role).

彼が司会を務める番組は、常に高い視聴率を誇っている。

The programs for which he serves as MC always boast high ratings.

Relative clause 'kare ga shikai o tsutomeru'.

彼女はそのプロジェクトの総責任者を務めるに足る人物だ。

She is a person worthy of serving as the general manager of that project.

'ni taru' (worthy of/sufficient to).

彼は、混迷を極める政局の中で、火中の栗を拾うが如く首相の座を務めた。

Amidst the extreme political turmoil, he served as Prime Minister, as if pulling chestnuts out of the fire.

Idiomatic expression 'kachū no kuri o hirou' (taking a risk for others).

その老練な俳優は、一言の台詞もなく、背中で語るようにして主役を務め上げた。

The veteran actor performed the lead role without a single line, as if speaking with his back.

Metaphorical 'senaka de kataru'.

彼女が長年務めてきたその職務は、組織の根幹を支える極めて重要なものであった。

The duties she had performed for many years were extremely important, supporting the very foundation of the organization.

Past perfect-like aspect 'tsutomete kita'.

彼がその大役を務めるに際して、並々ならぬ覚悟が必要であったことは想像に難くない。

It is not hard to imagine that an extraordinary level of resolve was necessary when he took on that major role.

'sōzō ni gatakunai' (not hard to imagine).

伝統の重みを背負いつつ、彼は家元の名に恥じぬようその役を務めている。

While carrying the weight of tradition, he performs that role so as not to shame the name of the head of the school.

'ni hajinuyō' (so as not to shame).

その外交官は、国益を守るべく、極限の緊張感の中で交渉の窓口を務めた。

The diplomat served as the point of contact for negotiations under extreme tension in order to protect national interests.

'beku' (in order to/with the intent to).

彼が審判長を務めたことで、その判定には絶対的な権威が付与された。

Because he served as the chief judge, absolute authority was granted to the ruling.

Passive 'fuyo sareta' (was granted).

彼女は、自らの信念を貫き通すために、あえて困難な役回りを務めることを選んだ。

She chose to dare to take on a difficult role in order to carry through her own beliefs.

'aete' (daringly/purposely).

Häufige Kollokationen

司会を務める (shikai o tsutomeru) - Serve as MC

議長を務める (gichō o tsutomeru) - Serve as chairperson

主役を務める (shuyaku o tsutomeru) - Play the lead role

リーダーを務める (rīdā o tsutomeru) - Serve as leader

審判を務める (shimpan o tsutomeru) - Serve as referee

監督を務める (kantoku o tsutomeru) - Serve as director

大役を務める (taiyaku o tsutomeru) - Perform a major role

役員を務める (yakuin o tsutomeru) - Serve as an officer/board member

通訳を務める (tsūyaku o tsutomeru) - Serve as interpreter

受付を務める (uketsuke o tsutomeru) - Serve as receptionist

Häufige Phrasen

司会を務めさせていただきます (I will humbly serve as the MC)

大役を務め上げる (To successfully complete a major role)

主役を務める実力 (The ability to play the lead role)

責任を持って務める (To serve with responsibility)

代役を務める (To serve as a substitute)

長年務める (To serve for many years)

二役を務める (To play two roles)

喜んで務める (To serve gladly)

慎重に務める (To serve cautiously/carefully)

見事に務める (To serve/perform brilliantly)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

務める vs 勤める (tsutomeru)

Means to work at a place (uses に). 務める is for roles (uses を).

務める vs 努める (tsutomeru)

Means to make an effort. 務める is for roles.

務める vs 担当する (tantō suru)

More about being in charge of a task/project than a formal title/role.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

務める vs

Satzmuster

[Role] を務める

[Role] を務めさせていただく

[Role] を務め上げる

[Role] を務めるのは [Person] だ

[Role] を務める実力がある

[Role] を務めることになった

[Role] を務めて [Time Period]

[Role] を務めるのは重責だ

So verwendest du es

homophone check

務 (Role), 勤 (Job/Place), 努 (Effort).

transitivity note

務める is transitive. The role is the direct object.

intransitive variant

務まる (tsutomaru) is the intransitive version, meaning 'to be fit for a role' or 'to be able to handle a role.'

Häufige Fehler

Tipps

The 'O' Rule

Always pair 務める with the particle を. This distinguishes it from 勤める (work at), which uses に. If you use the wrong particle, you might say you are 'acting as a company' instead of working for one.

Spear for Duty

The kanji 務 contains the 'spear' (矛) radical. Think of a soldier's duty or a guard's role. This helps you remember that this specific 'tsutomeru' is for official roles and duties.

Humble Expression

When you are chosen for a role, saying '務めさせていただきます' (tsutome-sasete itadakimasu) is the most professional way to accept. It shows you are grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Role vs. Task

Use 務める for roles with titles (Manager, MC, Captain). For general tasks without a title (like 'cleaning the floor'), use 担当する (tantō suru) or just します (shimasu).

The 'Tsutomeru' Trinity

Master all three: 務める (Role), 勤める (Workplace), 努める (Effort). They are among the most common homophones in Japanese business and exams. Learning them together is the most efficient way.

Self-Introductions

In a formal meeting, introduce yourself by your role: 'Project leader o tsutomete orimasu [Name] desu.' This sounds much more professional than saying you 'do' the project.

Context Clues

When reading, if you see a person's name followed by a title and then 'tsutomeru,' you know it's about their official position. This is a very common pattern in news headlines.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'tsutome-ageru.' It's a great word to use in thank-you notes or retirement speeches to describe someone who has successfully finished their time in a role.

Formal Announcements

Listen for this word at the start of events. The person who says 'Shikai o tsutomemasu...' is the one you should look to for instructions throughout the event.

Social Harmony

Understand that 務める is about 'wa' (harmony). By clearly stating and fulfilling your role, you are helping the group function smoothly. It's a very 'pro-social' verb.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

Japanese schools rotate roles (like cleaning or serving food) to teach children how to 務める various duties for the group.

In Kabuki and traditional theater, the term is used to describe the lineage of actors who 'serve' in specific famous roles passed down through generations.

In business, using 務める in the humble form (務めさせていただきます) is standard when accepting a new position or role in a project.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"今回のイベントで、誰が司会を務めるんですか？ (Who is serving as the MC for this event?)"

"今までで一番大変だった役回りは何を務めた時ですか？ (What was the most difficult role you've ever served in?)"

"もし映画に出るなら、どんな役を務めてみたいですか？ (If you were in a movie, what kind of role would you like to play?)"

"部長を務める上で、一番大切にしていることは何ですか？ (What do you value most in serving as the department head?)"

"新入社員が受付を務めるのは、良い経験になると思いますか？ (Do you think serving as the receptionist is a good experience for new employees?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、自分が務めた役割について書いてください。 (Write about the role you performed today.)

将来、どんな責任のある役を務めてみたいですか？ (What kind of responsible role would you like to serve in the future?)

「務める」と「勤める」の違いを意識して、例文をいくつか作ってみましょう。 (Create some example sentences while being conscious of the difference between 務める and 勤める.)

リーダーを務める時に必要な資質は何だと思いますか？ (What qualities do you think are necessary when serving as a leader?)

自分がこれまでに「務め上げた」と感じることは何ですか？ (What is something you feel you have 'served out' or completed your duty in so far?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

務める (tsutomeru) refers to performing a specific role or duty, like being a chairperson or an actor, and it uses the particle 'o'. 勤める (tsutomeru) refers to being employed at a specific location, like a bank or a company, and it uses the particle 'ni'. If you say 'Ginkō o tsutomeru,' it sounds like you are acting as a bank in a play. If you say 'Ginkō ni tsutomeru,' it means you work there as an employee.

You can use it if you are referring to your specific title or role within the job. For example, 'I serve as the manager' is 'Manējā o tsutomete imasu.' However, if you just want to say 'I work at Sony,' you should use 'Sonī ni tsutomete imasu' or 'Sonī de hataraite imasu.' 務める is more about the function you perform rather than the fact of employment.

It is used in casual conversation when talking about roles in clubs, school, or even games (e.g., 'I'll be the leader'). However, because it has a slightly formal nuance, in very casual settings, people might just use 'yaru' (to do). For example, 'Rīdā o yaru' instead of 'Rīdā o tsutomeru.' Using 務める makes you sound a bit more serious about the responsibility.

A good trick is to look at the components. 務 (Role) has the 'spear' (矛) component, which you can associate with a soldier's 'duty.' 勤 (Work) is related to 'diligent' (kinben), often associated with office work. 努 (Effort) has 'woman' (女) and 'strength' (力), which some associate with the great effort of labor/birth. Focus on 務 = Task/Role.

It is a compound verb where 'ageru' means to complete or finish. So, 'tsutome-ageru' means to successfully finish one's term of service or to fulfill a role until the very end. It is often used when someone retires from a long-held position or finishes a difficult assignment successfully.

Yes, it is neutral. You can 'serve as' a villain (akuyaku o tsutomeru) in a play, or 'serve as' the person who has to deliver bad news. It simply describes the function, though the roles themselves are usually formal or recognized positions.

You should almost always use the particle 'o' (を) because you are performing the role. The role is the direct object of your action. Example: 'Shikai o tsutomeru.' Avoid using 'ni' unless you are using the homophone 勤める (to work at).

Yes. 演じる (enjiru) focuses on the 'acting' itself—the performance, the emotions, and the art. 務める (tsutomeru) focuses on the 'assignment'—the fact that you have the role and the responsibility to perform it. In a formal cast list, 務める is very common.

務まる (tsutomaru) is the intransitive/potential-like version of 務める. It means 'to be fit for a role' or 'to be able to handle a role.' For example, 'Kare ni rīdā ga tsutomaru ka?' means 'Is he capable of serving as the leader?' It focuses on the person's suitability for the role.

Absolutely. It is very common for temporary roles like being the MC for a single wedding, being the chairperson for one meeting, or being a substitute for a day. It doesn't have to be a permanent job; it just has to be a defined role.

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writing

Write 'I will serve as the MC' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 司会 (MC) + を + 務めます.