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A1 noun #3,106 most common 11 min read

職務

shokumu Top 3,106

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 職務 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 職務 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '職務' (shokumu) in your own speaking yet, but it is good to recognize it as a formal version of 'work.' Think of it as a 'big word' for 'job duties.' In Japanese, you usually start with the word '仕事' (shigoto) for everything related to work. 'Shokumu' is more specific. It's like the difference between saying 'my work' and 'my professional responsibilities.' If you see this word in a textbook or on a sign at a train station, just remember it means 'the things someone has to do for their job.' You might see it in a sentence like 'This is my shokumu,' which means 'This is my official duty.' It's a very polite and serious word. Even at A1, knowing that Japanese has different levels of 'work' words will help you understand why people sound so formal in offices. Just remember the kanji '職' (job) and '務' (duty).

For A2 learners, '職務' (shokumu) becomes useful when you start talking about specific job descriptions. You might encounter it when looking at simple job advertisements or when a teacher explains what a police officer does. At this level, you should understand that 'shokumu' is a noun that describes the 'content' of a job. While 'shigoto' can mean 'the place you work' or 'the act of working,' 'shokumu' specifically means 'the tasks you are responsible for.' You can start using it in simple patterns like 'shokumu naiyou' (job content/details). This will make you sound more professional if you are practice-interviewing. You should also be aware of the phrase 'shokumu-chuu,' which means 'while on duty' or 'during work hours.' This is often seen on signs or heard in dramas. It helps you distinguish between someone's personal time and their professional time.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '職務' (shokumu) in formal writing, such as a basic resume or a self-introduction for a business meeting. You should understand the difference between 'shokumu' (professional duties) and 'gyoumu' (business operations). At this stage, you should learn common verb pairings like 'shokumu o hatasu' (to fulfill duties) or 'shokumu ni chuujitsu' (to be faithful to one's duties). You might also come across 'shokumu keirekisho,' which is a detailed work history document required for job hunting in Japan. Understanding this word helps you navigate the Japanese corporate culture, where clearly defined duties are highly valued. You should be able to explain what your 'shokumu' are in your current or past jobs using slightly more formal Japanese than just 'shigoto de ~ o shimashita.' It shows a higher level of professional maturity.

By B2, you should have a nuanced understanding of '職務' (shokumu) and be able to use it in complex discussions about workplace ethics, legal responsibilities, and organizational structure. You should be familiar with legalistic terms like 'shokumu taiman' (negligence of duty) and 'shokumu kengen' (official authority). At this level, you can use 'shokumu' to discuss the boundaries of a role, using phrases like 'shokumu no han'inai' (within the scope of duties). You should also be able to understand news reports or legal dramas where 'shokumu' is used to debate whether an official acted appropriately. This word is key to discussing 'compliance' and 'governance' in a Japanese context. You should be comfortable distinguishing 'shokumu' from 'ninmu' (mission) and 'sekimu' (moral responsibility), choosing the word that best fits the level of formality and the specific type of duty being discussed.

At the C1 level, your use of '職務' (shokumu) should be indistinguishable from a native professional. You should understand the historical and legal weight of the term, especially in the context of the 'Local Public Service Act' or corporate law. You can use it to discuss complex labor issues, such as 'shokumukyuu' (job-based pay) versus 'nenkou joretsu' (seniority-based pay). Your vocabulary should include advanced collocations like 'shokumu shikkou' (execution of duties) and 'shokumu choosho' (official record of duties). You should also be able to interpret the subtle social implications when a company redefines its employees' 'shokumu'—often a precursor to restructuring. At this level, you use 'shokumu' not just as a word for 'duty,' but as a concept that defines the relationship between the individual, the organization, and the law in Japanese society.

For C2 learners, '職務' (shokumu) is a tool for precise legal, academic, or high-level corporate discourse. You should be able to engage in deep analysis of 'shokumu' in the context of fiduciary duty, public administration theory, or labor economics. You understand the philosophical distinction between 'shokumu' as a contractual obligation and the more abstract 'honbun' (one's true duty). You can navigate the most formal environments in Japan, from boardrooms to courtrooms, using 'shokumu' with perfect grammatical and social accuracy. You should be able to draft formal job descriptions, legal contracts, or policy papers where the 'shokumu' of various actors are meticulously defined. Your understanding includes the nuances of how 'shokumu' interacts with Japanese concepts of 'sekinin' (responsibility) and 'giri' (obligation) in a professional hierarchy. At this level, the word is part of your toolkit for high-stakes negotiation and institutional leadership.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

職務 in 30 Seconds

Shokumu refers to formal professional duties and responsibilities.
It is a serious, technical term used in business and legal contexts.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'perform', 'fulfill', or 'neglect'.
Essential for resumes and understanding official roles in Japan.

The Japanese word 職務 (shokumu) is a formal and precise term used to describe the set of professional duties, tasks, and responsibilities that constitute an individual's specific role within an organization or official capacity. While everyday conversation might favor the broader term 仕事 (shigoto), which encompasses everything from 'work' as an activity to 'a job' as a concept, 職務 focuses specifically on the 'duty' aspect. It is the 'what' of your employment contract—the specific functions you are legally or professionally bound to perform. This word is indispensable in corporate, legal, and governmental contexts where the boundaries of one's authority and responsibility must be clearly defined. When you hear 職務, think of the technical requirements of a position rather than the general act of working.

Etymological Breakdown: The first kanji, 職 (shoku), refers to employment, office, or a post. The second kanji, 務 (mu), signifies a task, duty, or service. Together, they form a compound that translates literally to 'the duties of the post'.
Professional Context: In a Japanese company, your 職務 might be outlined in a 'shokumu-meireisho' (job description/order). It is used when discussing performance evaluations, legal liability, or organizational structure.

彼は職務を忠実に遂行した。
(He faithfully executed his professional duties.)

One of the most common places a civilian might encounter this word is in the term 職務質問 (shokumu shitsumon). This refers to the 'stop and question' procedure performed by police officers. In this context, the officer is acting within their 職務 (official duties) to maintain public safety. This highlights the word's connection to authority and official mandates. Unlike yakuwari (role), which can be social or informal, 職務 is almost always tied to a formal agreement or a legal status. It is a 'cold' word, devoid of the emotional nuance of 'vocation' or 'calling,' focusing instead on the mechanical and legal obligations of a job.

公務員の職務には高い倫理観が求められる。
(High ethical standards are required for the professional duties of public servants.)

Common Verbs: 遂行する (suikou suru): To carry out/execute duties. This is the most formal pairing.
怠る (okotaru): To neglect duties. This is often used in legal or disciplinary contexts.

In the modern Japanese workplace, the term is also used in 職務経歴書 (shokumu keirekisho), which is a detailed work history or curriculum vitae. While a standard rirekisho (resume) focuses on education and basic history, the shokumu keirekisho dives deep into the specific 職務 you performed at each company, highlighting your skills and achievements. This distinction is crucial for job seekers in Japan, as it shifts the focus from 'where you worked' to 'what specific duties you mastered'.

新しい職務に慣れるまで時間がかかった。
(It took time to get used to my new professional duties.)

警察官が職務中に負傷した。
(The police officer was injured while performing his professional duties.)

Formal Usage: When a company undergoes restructuring, they may redefine the 職務分担 (shokumu buntan) or 'division of duties'. This is a formal way of saying who is responsible for what.

部長は自分の職務の範囲を明確にした。
(The manager clarified the scope of his professional duties.)

Using 職務 (shokumu) correctly requires an understanding of its formal and functional nature. It is rarely used to describe the fun or social aspects of a job. Instead, it is used when discussing the execution, boundaries, or neglect of specific professional tasks. In a sentence, 職務 often acts as the direct object of verbs related to performance or responsibility. To sound natural, you must pair it with the appropriate formal verbs and particles. For instance, shokumu o hatasu (to fulfill one's duties) is a standard phrase that conveys a sense of completion and integrity.

Pattern: [Person] + は + [職務] + を + [Verb]: This is the most common structure for describing someone's action regarding their duties.
Example: 彼は職務を全うした。 (He fulfilled his duties to the end.)
Pattern: [職務] + 上の + [Noun]: Used to describe something related to or necessitated by one's professional duties.
Example: 職務上の秘密 (Professional secret/confidential information related to work).

彼は職務に専念している。
(He is devoting himself to his professional duties.)

When discussing the 'scope' of a job, the phrase 職務の範囲 (shokumu no han'i) is essential. This is used in negotiations or when a problem arises to determine if a specific task was actually part of someone's job description. For example, if an employee is asked to do something outside their contract, they might say, Sore wa watashi no shokumu no han'igai desu (That is outside the scope of my professional duties). This sounds much more professional and firm than simply saying 'I don't want to do that'.

新しいプロジェクトの職務内容を確認しましょう。
(Let's check the professional duty details of the new project.)

Compound Nouns: 職務記述書 (shokumu kijutsusho): Job description document.
職務給 (shokumukyuu): Pay based on job duties (rather than seniority).

In a legal or disciplinary context, the term 職務怠慢 (shokumu taiman) is used to describe negligence of duty. This is a serious accusation in Japanese work culture. If a security guard falls asleep on the job, it is described as shokumu taiman. Conversely, if someone goes above and beyond their required tasks, you might say they are shokumu ni chuujitsu (faithful to their duties). Notice how these expressions always link the individual's character back to their formal role.

彼は職務上の過失で訴えられた。
(He was sued for negligence in his professional duties.)

この変更は、あなたの職務に影響を与えますか？
(Will this change affect your professional duties?)

Formal Declarations: In official ceremonies, a person might say: 「職務を全うすることを誓います」 (I swear to fulfill my duties to the best of my ability).

彼は職務の遂行を妨害された。
(He was obstructed in the performance of his professional duties.)

While 職務 (shokumu) may not be part of your daily small talk with friends at a cafe, it is a word you will hear frequently in 'serious' Japanese life. It dominates the airwaves in news reports, business meetings, legal dramas, and official announcements. Understanding where you hear it helps you grasp its weight. In the news, 職務 is often paired with public officials—politicians, police officers, and civil servants. When a politician is accused of misuse of power, the newscaster will often discuss whether the action was within their 職務権限 (shokumu kengen), or 'official authority'.

In the News: Reports on police activity often mention 職務質問 (shokumu shitsumon). This is the official term for when an officer stops someone on the street to ask for ID or check their belongings. If you are in Japan and a police officer approaches you, they are performing their shokumu.
In the Office: During orientation for a new job, the HR manager will likely use 職務 when explaining the company's expectations. You might see it on the 'Job Description' header of your contract: 職務内容 (shokumu naiyou).

警察官から職務質問を受けた。
(I was questioned by a police officer as part of his professional duties.)

In Japanese legal and detective dramas (which are very popular), 職務 is a keyword. A character might heroically claim, Kore wa watashi no shokumu da! (This is my duty!). Here, it carries a sense of professional pride and moral obligation. It differentiates the character's personal feelings from their professional code. If a character is suspended, the term used is 職務停止 (shokumu teishi), meaning 'suspension of professional duties'. This sounds much more official and grave than just being 'off work'.

彼は職務を遂行するために全力を尽くした。
(He did his best to carry out his professional duties.)

Another place you'll see this word is in the context of 'Work-History Resumes' (職務経歴書). In Japan, when you change jobs, you don't just send a one-page CV. You send a detailed breakdown of every project and 職務 you've held. This is where you demonstrate your technical expertise. Recruiters look for specific keywords under the 職務 section to see if your skills match their needs. It is the language of the professional marketplace.

面接で自分の職務経験を詳しく話した。
(I spoke in detail about my professional duty experience during the interview.)

Political Scandals: You will hear 職務放棄 (shokumu houki)—abandonment of duty—when a public official fails to act during a crisis. It is a very strong term of criticism.

その大臣は職務を放棄したとして批判された。
(The minister was criticized for abandoning his professional duties.)

Because 職務 (shokumu) is a formal word, the most common mistake is using it in a context that is too casual. If you tell your friend, 'I'm going to do my 職務 now' when you're just going to wash the dishes, it will sound either like a joke or like you're a robot. Understanding the boundaries between shigoto, shokumu, and gyoumu is the key to avoiding these errors. Many learners also struggle with the grammatical particles that typically follow this word.

Mistake 1: Over-formality in Casual Settings: Don't use 職務 for everyday tasks.
❌ Kyou no shokumu wa kaimono desu. (Today's professional duty is shopping.)
✅ Kyou no yotei wa kaimono desu. (Today's plan is shopping.)
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Gyoumu': 職務 refers to the *responsibility* of the person. 業務 (gyoumu) refers to the *business operations* or the actual work tasks themselves. You 'perform' shokumu, but you 'carry out' gyoumu. Using them interchangeably can confuse the focus of your sentence.

❌ 彼は職務が忙しい。
✅ 彼は仕事が忙しい。
(Correction: You say 'Work is busy', not 'Professional duties are busy'.)

Another common error involves the verb suru. While shokumu o suru is technically understandable, it lacks the professional weight the word implies. To sound like a native speaker, you should use more specific verbs like 遂行する (suikou suru) or 果たす (hatasu). Using 'suru' with 職務 is like saying 'I did my professional obligations' instead of 'I fulfilled my professional obligations'. It's a small difference that makes a big impact on your perceived fluency.

❌ 職務する。
✅ 職務を遂行する。
(Correction: You need a particle and a formal verb.)

Mistake 3: Misusing 'Shokumu Shitsumon': Some learners think shokumu shitsumon means 'asking about someone's job'. It does not. It specifically means 'police questioning'. If you want to ask someone what they do for a living, use o-shigoto wa nan desu ka?

❌ 友達に職務質問をした。
✅ 友達に仕事について聞いた。
(Correction: Don't accidentally say you interrogated your friend like a cop!)

Finally, watch out for the difference between 職務 (shokumu) and 職業 (shokugyou). Shokugyou is your 'occupation' or 'profession' (e.g., doctor, teacher). Shokumu are the 'duties' within that profession. If someone asks for your shokugyou, they want to know your title. If they ask about your shokumu, they want to know what you actually do all day at your desk.

私の職業は教師で、主な職務は授業をすることです。
(My occupation is a teacher, and my main professional duty is to conduct classes.)

Japanese has many words for 'work' and 'duty,' and choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the level of formality. 職務 (shokumu) sits at the formal, legal end of the spectrum. To master this word, you must understand how it compares to its cousins: shigoto, gyoumu, ninmu, and yakuwari. Each has a specific flavor. While they all might be translated as 'duty' or 'work' in English, their usage in Japanese is strictly partitioned.

職務 (Shokumu) vs. 業務 (Gyoumu): This is the most common point of confusion. 職務 is person-centric; it refers to the responsibilities attached to a person's position. 業務 is process-centric; it refers to the actual business operations or tasks being performed. A company has 'gyoumu' (operations), but an employee has 'shokumu' (duties).
職務 (Shokumu) vs. 任務 (Ninmu): 任務 usually refers to a specific 'mission' or 'assignment' with a clear start and end point. It is often used in military, police, or high-stakes project contexts. 職務 is ongoing and routine—it's what you do every day as part of your job.

彼の任務はスパイを見つけることだ。
(His mission (ninmu) is to find the spy.)

Then there is 仕事 (shigoto). This is the 'catch-all' word. If you are ever unsure, shigoto is the safest bet. However, in a professional report, shigoto can sound a bit too colloquial. If you want to emphasize the 'responsibility' or the 'official nature' of the work, switch to 職務. For example, 'I'm busy with work' is shigoto ga isogashii. But 'He was injured during his professional duties' is shokumuchuu ni fushou shita.

チーム内での私の役割はリーダーです。
(My role (yakuwari) within the team is the leader.)

Finally, consider 本分 (honbun). This is a more poetic or moralistic word for 'duty.' It's often used for students (e.g., 'A student's duty is to study') or in a deep personal sense of calling. 職務 is bureaucratic and contractual; 本分 is moral and existential. If you are writing a contract, use 職務. If you are giving a graduation speech, you might use 本分.

学生の本分は勉強することです。
(A student's duty (honbun) is to study.)

Summary of Alternatives: - Use 義務 (gimu) for legal obligations (like paying taxes).
- Use 責務 (sekimu) for a heavy moral or social responsibility (like a leader's duty to protect their staff).
- Use 職能 (shokunou) for job-related skills or functions.

彼はその職務を遂行する能力がある。
(He has the ability to carry out those professional duties.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 職 (shoku) originally depicted a person listening (ear radical 耳) to the orders of their office. The character 務 (mu) contains the radical for power/strength (力), suggesting effort put into a task.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃɒkʊmuː/

US /ˈʃoʊkʊmuː/

In Japanese, pitch accent is 'Heiban' (flat). All syllables are pronounced with the same emphasis.

Rhymes With

Gyoumu (Business) Ninmu (Mission) Koumu (Public service) Zunmu (Miscellaneous duties) Kyuumu (Urgent matter) Gimu (Obligation) Sekimu (Responsibility) Zaimu (Finance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mu' as 'myoo'. It should be a short 'u' sound like in 'put'.
Stress on the first syllable. Keep it flat.
Elongating the 'o' too much. It is a short vowel.
Mixing up the pitch accent with 'Shokumu' (this word is flat).
Mispronouncing 'ku' as 'koo'. Keep it short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require knowledge of the 'duty' radical. Moderate difficulty.

Writing 4/5

Writing '職' involves many strokes. Practice is needed.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is flat and simple. Easy to say.

Listening 2/5

Clear sounds, easily distinguishable from other words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

仕事 (Work) 義務 (Duty) 務める (To serve) 会社 (Company) 警察 (Police)

Learn Next

業務 (Operations) 任務 (Mission) 権限 (Authority) 遂行 (Execution) 経歴 (History)

Advanced

公務執行妨害 (Obstruction of public duty) 守秘義務 (Duty of confidentiality) 善管注意義務 (Duty of care)

Grammar to Know

Particle 'o' with transitive verbs

職務を遂行する。

Particle 'ni' with 'nareru' (get used to)

職務に慣れる。

Particle 'ni' with 'sennen suru' (devote to)

職務に専念する。

Suffix '~chuu' for 'during'

職務中に。

Suffix '~jou' for 'regarding/professional'

職務上の。

Examples by Level

これは私の職務です。

This is my professional duty.

Simple AはBです structure.

職務をがんばります。

I will do my best with my duties.

Using the object particle 'o'.

彼の職務は何ですか？

What are his professional duties?

Question form with 'nan desu ka'.

職務は大切です。

Professional duties are important.

Adjective 'taisetsu' used with 'shokumu'.

職務を覚えます。

I will learn my duties.

Verb 'oboeru' (to learn/memorize).

新しい職務です。

It is a new professional duty.

Modifying a noun with 'atarashii'.

職務が終わりました。

The professional duties ended.

Intransitive verb 'owaru'.

これがあなたの職務です。

This is your professional duty.

Pronoun 'anata no' used as a modifier.

職務内容を確認してください。

Please check the duty details.

Using 'kudasa' for a polite request.

職務中に電話をしないでください。

Please do not use the phone while on duty.

'~chuu' means 'during' or 'while'.

彼は職務に慣れました。

He got used to his duties.

Verb 'nareru' takes the particle 'ni'.

職務について質問があります。

I have a question about the duties.

'~ni tsuite' means 'about'.

職務を一つずつ説明します。

I will explain the duties one by one.

'Hitotsu zutsu' means 'one by one'.

警察官の職務は大変です。

A police officer's duties are hard.

Possessive 'no' linking two nouns.

職務経験を教えてください。

Please tell me about your duty experience.

Compound noun 'shokumu keiken'.

職務を忘れないでください。

Please do not forget your duties.

Negative request 'naide kudasai'.

職務を忠実に遂行することが求められる。

One is required to perform duties faithfully.

Passive form 'motomerareru'.

職務経歴書を作成しました。

I have prepared my work history resume.

Specific term 'shokumu keirekisho'.

彼女は職務上の責任を感じている。

She feels professional responsibility.

'Shokumujou' means 'on the job' or 'professional'.

職務の範囲を明確にする必要があります。

It is necessary to clarify the scope of duties.

'Hitsuyou ga arimasu' (there is a need).

職務質問を受けたことがありますか？

Have you ever been questioned by the police?

'~ta koto ga aru' (have the experience of).

職務を全うして引退した。

He fulfilled his duties and retired.

Verb 'mattou suru' (to fulfill completely).

職務に専念するために休暇を取らない。

I don't take time off so I can focus on my duties.

'~tame ni' (in order to).

新しい職務に不安を感じています。

I feel anxious about my new professional duties.

Noun 'fuan' (anxiety).

職務怠慢は解雇の理由になり得る。

Negligence of duty can be a reason for dismissal.

'~ni ariuru' (is possible).

職務権限を越えた行為は許されない。

Actions exceeding official authority are not permitted.

'~o koeta' (exceeded).

職務上の秘密を漏らしてはならない。

You must not leak professional secrets.

'~te wa naranai' (must not).

職務遂行能力が正当に評価された。

His ability to perform duties was fairly evaluated.

Adverb 'seitou ni' (fairly/justly).

彼は職務停止処分を受けた。

He was given a suspension of professional duties.

Compound noun 'shokumu teishi shobun'.

職務の合間に語学を勉強している。

I study languages in between my professional duties.

'~no aima ni' (between/in the intervals of).

職務分担の見直しが行われた。

A review of the division of duties was conducted.

Passive 'okonawareta'.

職務記述書に基づいて仕事を割り当てる。

Assign work based on the job description.

'~ni motozuite' (based on).

職務上の過失致死罪に問われる可能性がある。

There is a possibility of being charged with professional negligence resulting in death.

Legal terminology 'kashitsu chishizai'.

公務員の職務執行を妨害してはならない。

One must not obstruct the execution of a public servant's duties.

Formal term 'shokumu shikkou'.

職務給の導入により、給与体系が大きく変わった。

The introduction of job-based pay significantly changed the salary system.

'~ni yori' (due to/by).

彼は職務の遂行に際して、常に公平無私であった。

In performing his duties, he was always fair and selfless.

Four-character idiom 'kouhei mushi'.

職務発明の対価をめぐって裁判が起きている。

A lawsuit is occurring over the compensation for an invention made on the job.

'~o megutte' (concerning/surrounding).

職務の適正な執行を確保するための措置を講じる。

Take measures to ensure the proper execution of professional duties.

Formal verb 'koujiru' (to take measures).

職務に付随する雑務が多く、本来の仕事が進まない。

There are many miscellaneous tasks accompanying the duties, so the main work doesn't progress.

'~ni fuzui suru' (to accompany/be incidental to).

職務の特殊性に鑑み、特別手当が支給される。

In view of the special nature of the duties, a special allowance is paid.

'~ni kangami' (in view of/considering).

職務の神聖性を冒す行為は、組織の根幹を揺るがす。

Actions that violate the sanctity of professional duties shake the very foundations of the organization.

Metaphorical language 'konkan o yurugasu'.

取締役の職務執行に関する監督責任を果たす。

Fulfill the supervisory responsibility regarding the directors' execution of duties.

Complex noun phrases and legal 'kantoku sekinin'.

職務専念義務の免除を受けるには、所定の手続きが必要だ。

To receive an exemption from the duty to devote oneself to professional duties, prescribed procedures are necessary.

Legal term 'shokumu sennen gimu'.

職務の遂行が困難であると客観的に判断された。

It was objectively determined that the performance of duties was difficult.

Adverb 'kyakkanteki ni' (objectively).

職務権限の委譲により、組織の機動性を高める。

Increase organizational agility by delegating official authority.

Business term 'ijou' (delegation).

職務の範囲を逸脱した行為は、不法行為責任を負う可能性がある。

Actions deviating from the scope of duties may incur liability for tortious acts.

Legal term 'itsudatsu' (deviation).

職務に関連して収受した賄賂が、事件の発端となった。

Bribes received in connection with professional duties were the beginning of the incident.

Formal verb 'shuuju' (receipt/collection).

職務に殉じた彼の功績は、永く後世に語り継がれるだろう。

His achievements, having died in the line of duty, will likely be passed down for a long time.

Literary verb 'jun jiru' (to die for/follow to the grave).

Synonyms

仕事任務業務役割責務

Antonyms

私用職務放棄

Common Collocations

職務を遂行する

職務を全うする

職務に専念する

職務上の秘密

職務内容

職務経歴書

職務質問

職務怠慢

職務権限

職務分担

Common Phrases

職務を果たす

— To fulfill one's duties. Used to show responsibility.

彼は立派に職務を果たした。

職務に励む

— To work hard at one's duties. Positive connotation.

毎日職務に励んでいる。

職務を離れる

— To leave or step away from one's duties.

職務を離れて休憩する。

職務の遂行

— The execution or performance of duties.

職務の遂行を妨げる。

職務の適正

— The appropriateness or fitness of duties.

職務の適正を判断する。

職務に忠実

— Faithful to one's duties.

職務に忠実な社員だ。

職務への情熱

— Passion for one's professional duties.

職務への情熱を失わない。

職務に関連する

— Related to one's professional duties.

職務に関連する本を読む。

職務の重圧

— The pressure of professional duties.

職務の重圧に耐える。

職務の引継ぎ

— Handing over professional duties to a successor.

職務の引継ぎを丁寧に行う。

Often Confused With

職務 vs 職業 (Shokugyou)

Shokugyou is your 'occupation' (e.g., doctor). Shokumu is what you 'do' (e.g., surgery).

職務 vs 職場 (Shokuba)

Shokuba is the 'place' you work. Shokumu is the 'duty' you perform.

職務 vs 仕事 (Shigoto)

Shigoto is a general word for work. Shokumu is specific and formal.

Idioms & Expressions

"職務を投げ出す"

— To throw away or abandon one's duties mid-way.

途中で職務を投げ出してはいけない。

Neutral

"職務に殉ずる"

— To die in the line of duty or devote one's life to it.

彼は職務に殉じた英雄だ。

Formal/Literary

"職務に身を捧げる"

— To dedicate oneself entirely to one's duties.

彼女は職務に身を捧げている。

Formal

"職務を盾にする"

— To use one's duties as a shield or excuse.

職務を盾にして責任を逃れる。

Negative

"職務の枠を超える"

— To go beyond the framework/limits of one's duties.

彼の行動は職務の枠を超えていた。

Neutral

"職務を全うして死ぬ"

— To die having fulfilled all duties (a noble end).

職務を全うして死ぬのが本望だ。

Literary

"職務に忠誠を誓う"

— To pledge loyalty to one's professional duties.

新入社員が職務に忠誠を誓った。

Formal

"職務の虫"

— Someone who is obsessed with their duties (like a 'workaholic' but more focused on duty).

彼は職務の虫と言われている。

Informal

"職務の鬼"

— Someone who is incredibly strict or intense about their duties.

あの部長は職務の鬼だ。

Informal

"職務を私物化する"

— To treat one's professional duties as personal property (corruption).

職務を私物化することは許されない。

Formal/Critical

Easily Confused

職務 vs 業務

Both mean 'work tasks'.

Gyoumu is about business processes/operations. Shokumu is about individual responsibility.

業務を拡大する vs 職務を遂行する

職務 vs 任務

Both mean 'duty'.

Ninmu is a specific mission. Shokumu is ongoing professional duties.

救助任務 vs 日常の職務

職務 vs 義務

Both mean 'obligation'.

Gimu is a legal or social must (like taxes). Shokumu is specific to a job post.

教育の義務 vs 警察官の職務

職務 vs 役割

Both mean 'role'.

Yakuwari is a social function. Shokumu is a professional mandate.

リーダーの役割 vs マネージャーの職務

職務 vs 本分

Both mean 'duty'.

Honbun is moral/essential duty. Shokumu is contractual/professional.

学生の本分 vs 社員の職務

Sentence Patterns

これは[Noun]の職務です。

これは私の職務です。

職務中に[Verb-te]はいけません。

職務中に寝てはいけません。

[Person]は職務に[Adjective]です。

彼は職務に忠実です。

職務を[Verb-base]ために、[Action]。

職務を遂行するために、努力する。

職務上の[Noun]を[Verb]。

職務上の秘密を漏らす。

職務の[Noun]に[Verb-conditional]、[Result]。

職務の遂行が困難になれば、交代する。

職務内容を[Verb-potential]。

職務内容を確認できる。

職務を[Verb-stem]たいです。

職務を覚えたいです。

Word Family

Nouns

職務 (Duty)

職業 (Occupation)

職場 (Workplace)

職種 (Type of job)

Verbs

就職する (To get a job)

離職する (To leave a job)

退職する (To retire)

Adjectives

職務的な (Duty-like/Business-like)

公務 (Public duty)

実務 (Practical business)

事務 (Office work)

労務 (Labor)

法務 (Legal affairs)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and official settings, rare in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shokumu' for personal errands. → Using 'yoji' or 'yotei'.
'Shokumu' is only for professional or official duties. Buying milk is not a 'shokumu'.
Saying 'shokumu suru'. → Saying 'shokumu o suikou suru'.
'Shokumu' is a noun and doesn't take 'suru' directly. You need a formal verb like 'suikou' (execute).
Confusing 'shokumu' with 'shokugyou'. → Using 'shokugyou' for job titles.
'Shokugyou' is your job title (Doctor). 'Shokumu' are your tasks (Surgery).
Using 'shokumu' in a casual conversation with friends. → Using 'shigoto'.
It sounds too stiff and robotic. Friends will think you're being weirdly formal.
Thinking 'shokumu shitsumon' is a general question about jobs. → Using 'o-shigoto wa?'.
'Shokumu shitsumon' is a specific legal term for police questioning.

Tips

Resume Writing

Always use '職務' when describing your past roles on a Japanese resume. It shows you understand professional terminology.

Police Interaction

If a police officer says '職務質問' (shokumu shitsumon), stay calm. They are just doing their official duty. Cooperate politely.

Differentiating Duties

Remember: Shokumu = Person's Duty, Gyoumu = Business Task, Ninmu = Mission. Choosing the right one makes you sound like a pro.

Common Verbs

Memorize the pair '職務を遂行する'. It is a very common set phrase in business Japanese.

Formality

Only use 'shokumu' when you want to sound serious. In casual chats, stick to 'shigoto'.

Kanji Tip

The kanji 務 also appears in 'gimu' (obligation). If you see 務, think 'duty'!

News Keywords

When you hear 'shokumu' on the news, pay attention—it's usually about a public official or a serious business matter.

Business Emails

When asking a colleague about their tasks, 'shokumu' can be too heavy. Use 'gyoumu' or 'tantou' (charge) instead.

Self-Intro

In a formal self-introduction, say '主な職務は〜です' to sound more experienced than just saying 'shigoto wa'.

Mnemonic

Shoku (Job) + Mu (Duty) = Shokumu. It's a simple math equation for your brain!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shoku' as 'Shock' and 'Mu' as 'Move'. It's a 'Shock' when you have to 'Move' to do your professional duties!

Visual Association

Imagine a police officer in a crisp uniform holding a list of tasks. The uniform represents the 'Shoku' (office) and the list represents the 'Mu' (duties).

Word Web

Office Duty Contract Police Responsibility Task Professional Official

Challenge

Try to write three sentences describing the 'shokumu' of a teacher, a doctor, and a pilot. Use the word 'shokumu' in each sentence.

Word Origin

Composed of two Sino-Japanese (Kanj) characters: 職 (shoku) and 務 (mu).

Original meaning: The tasks or service required by one's office or post.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too robotic by using 'shokumu' in casual settings. It can make you seem distant or overly formal.

In English, we might say 'my job' for almost everything. Japanese speakers use 'shokumu' to sound more professional and precise.

The movie 'Shall We Dance?' features characters struggling with their 'shokumu' vs. personal desires. Police procedurals like 'Aibo' use 'shokumu' in almost every episode. The 'Local Public Service Act' (Chihou Koumuin Hou) defines the 'shokumu' of public servants.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

職務経歴書をお持ちしました。
私の主な職務は〜でした。
新しい職務に挑戦したいです。
職務内容について詳しく教えてください。

Police Interaction

職務質問にご協力ください。
職務中ですので失礼します。
職務を執行しています。
これは職務上の質問です。

Business Meeting

職務分担を決めましょう。
職務の範囲を確認します。
職務を遂行する能力があります。
職務上の責任を負います。

Legal/Contracts

職務上の秘密を保持する。
職務怠慢による損害。
職務権限の委譲。
職務記述書を作成する。

Daily Work

職務に専念する。
職務を全うする。
職務の合間に休憩する。
職務内容が変わりました。

Conversation Starters

"あなたの現在の職務内容を教えていただけますか？"

"職務経歴書を書くときに、一番苦労したことは何ですか？"

"もし警察官に職務質問されたら、どう反応しますか？"

"今の職務の中で、一番やりがいを感じる瞬間はいつですか？"

"職務とプライベートのバランスをどう取っていますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日の職務を振り返って、達成できたことを三つ書きましょう。

将来、どのような職務に就きたいか詳しく説明してください。

職務上の責任を感じたエピソードについて書いてください。

職務を遂行する上で、大切にしている価値観は何ですか？

もし職務内容を自由に変えられるなら、何を増やして何を減らしますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very stiff. Use 'shigoto' for 'my job' in normal conversation. Use 'shokumu' when talking about your specific responsibilities in a formal meeting or on a resume.

It is the formal term for 'police questioning' or 'stop and frisk'. You will hear it in news reports when police stop suspicious individuals to check their IDs or bags.

No. Students have 'honbun' (duty to study), but not 'shokumu'. 'Shokumu' is strictly for professional or official roles where someone is employed or appointed.

The most common term is 'shokumu naiyou' (job content) or 'shokumu kijutsusho' (job description document).

It is a formal word, not necessarily a 'polite' (honorific) word. It is used in professional contexts to be precise and serious.

The most formal and common verb is 'suikou suru' (to carry out/execute). For a slightly less formal but still professional feel, use 'hatasu' (to fulfill).

No. Housework is 'kaji'. Using 'shokumu' for housework would sound like a joke, as if you are treating your home like a formal government office.

It means 'on duty' or 'during work hours'. You might see it on a sign saying 'Shokumu-chuu: Do Not Enter' or hear a police officer say it.

Yes, it is essential. You must write a 'shokumu keirekisho' (work history) which lists your 'shokumu' at each previous company.

Think of 'shokumu' as the 'responsibility' of a person and 'gyoumu' as the 'operations' of a business. An employee performs their 'shokumu' to help the company's 'gyoumu'.