義務を果たす
gimu o hatasu
fulfill obligations
Literally: 義務 (duty/obligation) + を (object marker) + 果たす (to fulfill/achieve)
In 15 Seconds
- Completing a required duty or social responsibility.
- Used in professional, legal, or serious personal contexts.
- Implies a sense of completion and personal integrity.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you successfully complete a duty or responsibility that society, your job, or your family expects of you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a work project
プロジェクトを無事に終えて、ようやく義務を果たした気分だ。
Having finished the project safely, I feel like I've finally fulfilled my obligation.
Discussing civic duties
選挙に行って、国民としての義務を果たしました。
I went to vote and fulfilled my duty as a citizen.
Talking about family roles
親としての義務を果たすために、毎日一生懸命働いています。
I work hard every day to fulfill my obligations as a parent.
Cultural Background
The 'Three Fundamental Duties' (三大義務) of Japanese citizens are: Education, Labor, and Paying Taxes. These are taught early in school. Fulfilling one's duty is often seen as more important than individual achievement. This is why 'overtime' is often viewed as a duty to the team. In many Western cultures, 'rights' are often discussed before 'duties.' In Japan, the two are often presented as an inseparable pair (権利と義務). The samurai code (Bushido) emphasized 'Giri' (duty/honor). Modern 'Gimu' is the legal evolution of this ancient moral pressure.
Use with 'Rippa ni'
Pair it with '{立派|りっぱ}に' (splendidly) to praise someone for doing a great job under pressure.
Too Formal?
If you use this with friends for small things, you'll sound like a robot or a politician. Stick to 'yaru' for casual stuff.
In 15 Seconds
- Completing a required duty or social responsibility.
- Used in professional, legal, or serious personal contexts.
- Implies a sense of completion and personal integrity.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate 'adulting' phrase. It means you’ve successfully done what society or your job expects. It’s not just about finishing a simple task. It’s about carrying the weight of a duty and seeing it through. When you use this, you’re saying, 'I did my part.' It carries a sense of completion and integrity. It feels like a heavy weight being lifted off your shoulders. You are proving that you are a reliable person.
How To Use It
You’ll usually see this in formal or semi-formal writing. The verb 果たす means to carry out, achieve, or complete. You just put the object 義務 (duty) before it with the particle を. It’s a set phrase, so don’t swap the words around. You can use it in the past tense 果たした to show you’re done. It sounds quite firm and reliable. If you want to sound extra polite, use 果たしました. It’s a great way to show you are dependable.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional and civic contexts. Use it when discussing your job responsibilities during a performance review. It’s perfect for talking about voting or paying taxes in a speech. You might also use it when discussing deep family roles. For example, taking care of your parents is a major life duty. It shows you take your life roles seriously. Use it when the stakes are high and people are counting on you.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for fun, optional activities. If you go to a party, don’t say you 'fulfilled your obligation' to dance. It makes you sound like a robot who doesn't enjoy life! Also, don't use it for small favors between close friends. It’s too heavy for 'thanks for the coffee.' Keep it for the big, serious stuff. Using it for a hobby might make people think you don't actually like it. Unless you are being sarcastic, keep it professional.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the concept of duty is woven into the social fabric. There’s a long history of Giri, which is a social obligation to others. Fulfilling your duty is seen as a mark of a mature adult. It’s about maintaining harmony in the group. If everyone does their part, the whole system works smoothly. It’s a very selfless way of looking at the world. This is why you see people working so hard even when no one is watching. It is about personal honor.
Common Variations
You’ll often hear 責任を果たす which means fulfilling a responsibility. There is also 役割を果たす, which means playing your specific role in a team. If you make a promise, you use 約束を果たす. All of these use the same strong verb 果たす. They all imply that you are a person of your word. If you want to say someone failed their duty, use 義務を怠る. That one sounds quite harsh and critical! It means they were lazy or neglected their job.
Usage Notes
This phrase is primarily used in formal, professional, or civic contexts. Using it in casual settings usually implies sarcasm or a very serious tone.
Use with 'Rippa ni'
Pair it with '{立派|りっぱ}に' (splendidly) to praise someone for doing a great job under pressure.
Too Formal?
If you use this with friends for small things, you'll sound like a robot or a politician. Stick to 'yaru' for casual stuff.
The 'Citizen' Nuance
When you hear this on the news, it's almost always about taxes, voting, or legal accountability.
Examples
6プロジェクトを無事に終えて、ようやく義務を果たした気分だ。
Having finished the project safely, I feel like I've finally fulfilled my obligation.
Expresses a sense of relief after completing a big work task.
選挙に行って、国民としての義務を果たしました。
I went to vote and fulfilled my duty as a citizen.
A standard way to talk about social responsibilities like voting.
親としての義務を果たすために、毎日一生懸命働いています。
I work hard every day to fulfill my obligations as a parent.
Shows a strong sense of responsibility toward family.
やっと部屋の掃除が終わった！今日の義務を果たしたよ。
Finally finished cleaning my room! I've fulfilled my duty for the day.
A slightly dramatic/playful use of the phrase in a casual setting.
この大盛りパフェを完食して、甘党としての義務を果たした。
I finished this giant parfait and fulfilled my duty as a sweet-tooth.
Using a serious phrase for something trivial for comedic effect.
亡き友との約束を守り、ようやく義務を果たすことができた。
I kept my promise to my late friend and was finally able to fulfill my obligation.
Carries deep emotional weight and a sense of closure.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural verb to complete the sentence.
{国民|こくみん}として、{税金|ぜいきん}を{払|はら}う{義務|ぎむ}を（ ）なければなりません。
'{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たす' is the standard collocation for fulfilling a duty.
Fill in the blank with the correct kanji.
{彼|かれ}はリーダーとしての（ ）を{立派|りっぱ}に{果|は}たした。
While 'shigoto' (work) fits, 'gimu' is the most natural partner for 'hatasu' in this formal context.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you say '{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たしました'?
Voting is a formal civic duty, making this phrase appropriate.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {契約書|けいやくしょ}の{内容|ないよう}は{確認|かくにん}しましたか？ B: はい。{我々|われわれ}の（ ）は必ず{果|は}たします。
In a contract context, you fulfill your 'gimu' (obligations).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{国民|こくみん}として、{税金|ぜいきん}を{払|はら}う{義務|ぎむ}を（ ）なければなりません。
'{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たす' is the standard collocation for fulfilling a duty.
{彼|かれ}はリーダーとしての（ ）を{立派|りっぱ}に{果|は}たした。
While 'shigoto' (work) fits, 'gimu' is the most natural partner for 'hatasu' in this formal context.
When would you say '{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たしました'?
Voting is a formal civic duty, making this phrase appropriate.
A: {契約書|けいやくしょ}の{内容|ないよう}は{確認|かくにん}しましたか？ B: はい。{我々|われわれ}の（ ）は必ず{果|は}たします。
In a contract context, you fulfill your 'gimu' (obligations).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it's much more formal. 'Shigoto o suru' is just doing work. 'Gimu o hatasu' implies you are meeting the formal requirements of your position.
Not really. For homework, use 'shukudai o yaru.' Using 'gimu' makes it sound like a legal requirement.
The opposite is '{義務|ぎむ}を{怠|おこた}る' (to neglect one's duty) or '{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たさない' (to not fulfill one's duty).
Yes, especially in formal business emails when confirming that a task or contract requirement has been completed.
It can if you say it to someone else ('{義務|ぎむ}を{果|は}たしてください!'). It sounds like a stern demand.
Related Phrases
{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}る
similarTo take responsibility
{役割|やくわり}を{果|は}たす
similarTo play a role
{約束|やくそく}を{守|まも}る
similarTo keep a promise
{権利|けんり}を{行使|こうし}する
contrastTo exercise a right
{責務|せきむ}を{全|まった}うする
specialized formTo fulfill one's mission/duty perfectly
