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B2 noun #2,000 most common 12 min read

의무

uimu Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 의무 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 의무 in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 의무 (eui-mu) is generally considered too advanced and abstract for everyday use. Beginners focus on concrete nouns like 'apple' (사과), 'school' (학교), or basic verbs like 'to eat' (먹다) and 'to go' (가다). However, you might occasionally encounter 의무 in public signs or very basic institutional rules, often attached to other words, such as 의무실 (infirmary/medical room - though the Hanja is different here, it sounds the same, which can be confusing!). In terms of expressing the concept of 'having to do something' at the A1 level, learners do not use the noun 의무. Instead, they learn the grammar structure '-아/어야 하다' or '-아/어야 되다' (must / have to). For example, instead of saying 'It is my duty to study,' an A1 learner would simply say '공부해야 해요' (I have to study). If you do see 의무 at this level, it is best to simply recognize it as a formal word meaning 'duty' or 'rule' and focus on understanding the surrounding context rather than trying to use it actively in your own basic sentences. It is a word that belongs to the realm of formal writing and societal rules, which A1 learners are just beginning to navigate.

At the A2 elementary level, learners begin to expand their vocabulary to include words related to school, work, and basic societal rules. While 의무 is still quite formal, A2 learners might start seeing it in contexts like school rules or basic civic descriptions. For instance, you might learn about 의무 교육 (compulsory education), which refers to the mandatory schooling everyone must complete. At this stage, you might also start distinguishing between what you 'want' to do (하고 싶다) and what you 'must' do because it is a rule or duty. While you will still primarily rely on the '-아/어야 하다' grammar pattern to express obligation, recognizing the noun 의무 helps you understand written texts, such as notices on bulletin boards or simple news headlines. You might hear a teacher say, '이것은 학생의 의무예요' (This is a student's duty) when referring to homework or wearing a uniform. At the A2 level, the goal is passive recognition. You should know that 의무 means 'duty' or 'obligation,' and you should be able to understand it when someone else uses it to explain a rule or a requirement, even if you are not yet comfortable using it in your own spontaneous speech.

At the B1 intermediate level, 의무 becomes a highly relevant and useful vocabulary word. B1 learners are expected to discuss topics beyond their immediate personal lives, including society, culture, work, and general opinions. In these discussions, the concept of duty frequently arises. You will use 의무 to talk about the responsibilities of different professions (e.g., '의사의 의무' - a doctor's duty), the rules of a workplace, or the basic expectations of citizens. At this level, you should start actively using collocations like 의무를 다하다 (to fulfill a duty) and 의무가 있다 (to have a duty). For example, if you are writing a short essay about environmental protection, you can write, '우리는 환경을 보호할 의무가 있습니다' (We have a duty to protect the environment). This demonstrates a significant step up from simply saying '환경을 보호해야 해요' (We must protect the environment). Furthermore, B1 learners will encounter the adjective form 의무적 (mandatory/obligatory) when discussing rules, such as '의무적인 교육' (mandatory training). Mastering 의무 at the B1 level allows you to express your thoughts on societal norms and responsibilities with much greater precision and formality.

The B2 upper-intermediate level is where 의무 truly shines and becomes an indispensable part of your active vocabulary. B2 learners are preparing for advanced proficiency exams like TOPIK II (Levels 3-4) or engaging in complex discussions, such as IELTS-style debates on government policy, citizen rights, and moral dilemmas. At this level, you must be able to contrast 의무 (duty) with 권리 (rights) and discuss the balance between the two. You will encounter and use advanced phrases like 납세의 의무 (duty to pay taxes) and 국방의 의무 (duty of national defense) when discussing Korean society or writing formal essays. You are expected to understand the nuances between legal obligations (법적 의무) and moral obligations (도덕적 의무). In B2 writing tasks, using structures like 'A는 B에게 ~할 의무를 지운다' (A imposes a duty on B to do ~) or '의무를 소홀히 하다' (to neglect one's duty) will significantly boost your score. The word 의무 is a cornerstone for expressing sophisticated arguments about ethics, law, and social contracts. A B2 learner does not just know what 의무 means; they know how to wield it effectively in debates, formal presentations, and academic writing to sound persuasive and articulate.

At the C1 advanced level, your use of 의무 should be indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You are dealing with complex, abstract texts, such as newspaper editorials, academic journals, and legal documents. At this stage, you understand the deep cultural and philosophical weight of 의무 in Korean society, particularly its roots in Confucian ethics (e.g., filial piety as a moral duty) versus modern democratic legal frameworks. You will effortlessly use and comprehend highly formal verbs associated with 의무, such as 의무를 부과하다 (to impose a duty), 의무를 면제하다 (to exempt from a duty), or 의무를 위반하다 (to violate a duty). In C1 level discussions, you might debate the ethical implications of conflicting duties, such as a journalist's duty to report the truth versus their duty to protect a source. You will also be comfortable with compound words and derivatives, such as 의무감 (sense of duty), 병역의무 (mandatory military service), and 부양의무 (duty to support dependents). Your ability to use 의무 in complex grammatical structures, such as '의무를 다함에 있어서...' (In fulfilling one's duty...), demonstrates your mastery of formal, academic Korean.

At the C2 mastery level, your comprehension and application of 의무 encompass the highest levels of literary, legal, and philosophical discourse. You can analyze historical texts, constitutional law, and complex ethical treatises where 의무 is a central theme. You understand the precise Hanja origins (義務) and can differentiate 의무 from highly nuanced synonyms like 책무 (duty/obligation with a stronger sense of accountability), 본분 (one's proper duty), and 소임 (one's appointed task) with absolute precision. At this level, you can critique the societal constructs of duty, discussing how '의무' is leveraged in political rhetoric or legal jurisprudence. You are comfortable reading Supreme Court rulings (판례) where the exact definition and scope of a specific 의무 (e.g., 주의의무 - duty of care) determine the outcome of a case. Your spoken and written Korean flows naturally even when discussing the most abstract concepts of obligation, utilizing idiomatic and literary expressions that involve duty. You can write comprehensive, publishable essays on the evolution of civic duties in modern Korea, employing a flawless command of register, tone, and vocabulary surrounding the concept of 의무.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

의무 in 30 Seconds

Means 'duty' or 'obligation'.
Used for legal/moral requirements.
Opposite of 'right' (권리).
Often used with '다하다' (fulfill).

The Korean word 의무 (eui-mu) is a formal noun that translates to 'duty,' 'obligation,' or 'responsibility' in English. It refers to something that a person is morally, legally, or socially bound to do. To fully understand this word, we must delve into its Hanja (Sino-Korean) roots, its application in daily and legal contexts, and its cultural significance in South Korea. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 義 (의), meaning 'righteousness' or 'justice,' and 務 (무), meaning 'effort,' 'task,' or 'duty.' Therefore, at its core, 의무 implies a task or effort that is fundamentally tied to righteousness or what is just. This etymological background highlights that an 의무 is not merely a chore, but a profound responsibility that aligns with societal or moral correctness. In South Korean society, the concept of duty is deeply ingrained, influenced by both modern democratic principles and traditional Confucian values.

Legal Obligation: In a legal context, 의무 refers to actions mandated by the state. For instance, the South Korean Constitution outlines several fundamental duties for its citizens, such as the duty to pay taxes (납세의 의무), the duty of national defense (국방의 의무), the duty of education (교육의 의무), and the duty of labor (근로의 의무). These are non-negotiable requirements for maintaining citizenship and societal order.

모든 국민은 법률이 정하는 바에 의하여 납세의 의무를 진다.

Every citizen has the duty to pay taxes as prescribed by law.

Beyond the legal sphere, 의무 extends into the moral and ethical realms. Moral obligations (도덕적 의무) are actions expected by society, though not enforced by law. Examples include respecting elders, caring for one's parents, or helping those in need.

Moral Obligation: These are duties driven by conscience and societal norms rather than strict legal codes. Fulfilling moral duties is seen as a mark of a mature and responsible individual in Korean society.

부모를 부양하는 것은 자식의 도덕적 의무이다.

Supporting one's parents is a moral duty of a child.

It is crucial to distinguish 의무 from similar words like 책임 (responsibility) and 권리 (right). While 책임 often refers to being accountable for the outcome of an action, 의무 focuses on the necessity of performing the action itself. Furthermore, 의무 is frequently paired with 권리 (rights) in political and social discourse, emphasizing the balance between what one is owed by society and what one owes to society.

Rights and Duties: The phrase 권리와 의무 (rights and duties) is a foundational concept in civics, teaching that privileges come with corresponding obligations.

권리를 주장하기 전에 먼저 의무를 다해야 합니다.

Before claiming your rights, you must first fulfill your duties.

In everyday conversation, you might hear people talking about their duties at work or home. For example, a teacher might speak of their duty to educate students properly, or a doctor might refer to their duty to save lives.

환자의 생명을 구하는 것은 의사의 가장 중요한 의무입니다.

Saving patients' lives is a doctor's most important duty.

Understanding 의무 is essential for anyone aiming to achieve a high level of proficiency in Korean, particularly for exams like TOPIK II or when engaging in formal discussions. The word carries a tone of seriousness and formality, making it inappropriate for trivial tasks but perfect for discussing significant life responsibilities, societal roles, and legal mandates.

우리는 환경을 보호할 의무가 있습니다.

We have an obligation to protect the environment.

In conclusion, 의무 is a multifaceted word that bridges the gap between legal mandates and moral imperatives, serving as a cornerstone for discussions about citizenship, ethics, and personal responsibility in the Korean language.

Using the word 의무 correctly involves understanding its collocations, grammatical structures, and the specific verbs it pairs with. Because 의무 is a formal noun representing a concept of duty or obligation, it is most frequently used with verbs that mean 'to fulfill,' 'to bear,' 'to have,' or 'to neglect.' Mastering these combinations is crucial for sounding natural and achieving a high level of fluency in Korean.

의무를 다하다 (To fulfill one's duty): This is perhaps the most common and important collocation. The verb 다하다 means 'to exhaust' or 'to do one's best,' so 의무를 다하다 translates to fulfilling or carrying out one's duty completely. It is used in both personal and professional contexts to describe someone who responsibly completes what is expected of them.

그는 끝까지 자신의 의무를 다했습니다.

He fulfilled his duty to the very end.

Another essential verb pairing is 지다 (to bear/carry).

의무를 지다 (To bear an obligation): This phrase emphasizes the weight or burden of the duty. It is often used in legal or formal contexts where an obligation is imposed on someone, such as bearing the duty to pay taxes or compensate for damages.

계약에 따라 우리는 손해를 배상할 의무를 집니다.

According to the contract, we bear the obligation to compensate for damages.

When simply stating that a duty exists, you use the verb 있다 (to exist/have) or 없다 (to not exist/not have).

의무가 있다/없다 (To have/not have a duty): This is the most straightforward way to express whether someone is required to do something. It is frequently preceded by a verb modifying the noun 의무, using the structure '-(으)ㄹ 의무가 있다' (to have the duty to do [verb]).

부모는 자녀를 교육할 의무가 있습니다.

Parents have a duty to educate their children.

Conversely, when someone fails to perform their duty, the verb 소홀히 하다 (to neglect) or 저버리다 (to forsake/abandon) is used.

그는 공직자로서의 의무를 소홀히 했습니다.

He neglected his duties as a public official.

In grammar, 의무 is often used as a modifier. By attaching the suffix '-적' (meaning 'relating to' or '-ic/-al'), we create the adjective 의무적 (obligatory/mandatory). This is incredibly useful for describing rules, policies, or actions that are not optional.

이 교육은 모든 직원에게 의무적입니다.

This training is mandatory for all employees.

Furthermore, 의무 can be combined with other nouns to form compound words. For example, 의무감 (sense of duty) describes the internal feeling or pressure to fulfill an obligation. Someone might act not out of desire, but out of a strong 의무감. Understanding these structures—whether using it as an object (의무를), a subject (의무가), an adjective (의무적인), or an adverb (의무적으로)—will allow you to articulate complex thoughts regarding responsibilities, rules, and ethics in Korean fluently and accurately.

The word 의무 is ubiquitous in Korean society, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts ranging from formal news broadcasts to everyday conversations about civic responsibilities. Because South Korea places a strong emphasis on social order, collective responsibility, and legal compliance, the concept of duty is frequently discussed in public discourse.

News and Politics: In journalism and political debates, 의무 is constantly used when discussing the roles of the government, corporations, and citizens. News anchors frequently report on whether a company has fulfilled its environmental duties or if politicians are neglecting their obligations to the public.

정부는 국민의 안전을 보장할 의무가 있습니다.

The government has a duty to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Another major area where 의무 is inescapable is in discussions regarding military service. South Korea maintains mandatory conscription for able-bodied men, known as 국방의 의무 (the duty of national defense). This is a highly sensitive and frequently discussed topic in Korean society, appearing in casual chats among young men, in family discussions, and in national policy debates.

Military Conscription: The phrase '국방의 의무' is practically a fixed idiom in Korea. It represents not just a legal requirement but a rite of passage and a profound societal expectation.

대한민국의 건강한 남성이라면 누구나 국방의 의무를 져야 합니다.

Every healthy male in South Korea must bear the duty of national defense.

In the workplace, you will hear 의무 used in the context of contracts, compliance, and mandatory training. Human Resources departments frequently send out emails regarding 의무 교육 (mandatory training), such as sexual harassment prevention training or safety drills.

Corporate and Legal Documents: Contracts heavily feature the word 의무 to delineate the responsibilities of each party. Phrases like '비밀유지 의무' (duty of confidentiality) are standard legal jargon.

계약서에 명시된 비밀유지 의무를 위반해서는 안 됩니다.

You must not violate the duty of confidentiality specified in the contract.

In educational settings, teachers discuss the duties of students, such as completing assignments or respecting school rules. Furthermore, the Korean educational system itself is built upon the constitutional 교육의 의무 (duty of education), meaning parents are legally required to send their children to elementary and middle school.

중학교까지는 의무 교육입니다.

Education up to middle school is compulsory (mandatory education).

Finally, in healthcare, the concept of a doctor's duty is paramount. Medical dramas, which are highly popular in Korea, frequently feature intense scenes where doctors debate their 진료 의무 (duty to treat) versus hospital policies.

의사는 환자를 치료할 의무가 최우선입니다.

A doctor's duty to treat the patient is the top priority.

By recognizing these common contexts—politics, military, workplace, education, and healthcare—you will better understand the societal weight that the word 의무 carries in South Korea.

When learning the word 의무, non-native speakers often make several common mistakes, primarily revolving around confusing it with similar vocabulary, using incorrect verb collocations, or misunderstanding its formal tone. Addressing these errors is vital for achieving natural-sounding Korean. The most frequent mistake is confusing 의무 (duty/obligation) with 책임 (responsibility). While they overlap in English, they have distinct nuances in Korean.

의무 vs. 책임: 의무 refers to the action you are required to perform beforehand (e.g., paying taxes, serving in the military). 책임 refers to being accountable for the consequences or outcomes of an action after the fact. You fulfill an 의무, but you take/bear a 책임 for a mistake.

그는 의무를 다하지 않아서 그 결과에 대해 책임을 져야 했다.

Because he did not fulfill his duty, he had to take responsibility for the results.

Another common error involves verb collocations. Learners often try to directly translate English phrases like 'to do one's duty' by using the verb 하다 (to do), resulting in the awkward phrase '의무를 하다'. While technically understandable, it sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Incorrect Verb Usage: Instead of '의무를 하다', you must use '의무를 다하다' (to fulfill one's duty) or '의무를 수행하다' (to carry out one's duty). The verb 다하다 implies completing the duty to the fullest extent.

❌ 저는 제 의무를 했어요.
✅ 저는 제 의무를 다했어요.

I fulfilled my duty.

Furthermore, learners sometimes misuse 의무 in overly casual contexts. 의무 is a formal, weighty word. Using it for minor, everyday chores sounds melodramatic or humorous.

Tone and Register: If you are talking about doing the dishes or taking out the trash, using 의무 is inappropriate unless you are joking. For household chores, words like 집안일 (housework) or 할 일 (things to do) are much more natural.

❌ 설거지는 제 의무예요. (Too formal/dramatic)
✅ 설거지는 제가 할 일이에요.

Doing the dishes is my job/chore.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the pronunciation. The word is written as 의무, but the first syllable 의 can be tricky. When 의 appears at the beginning of a word, it is pronounced clearly as [의] (ui). However, learners sometimes lazily pronounce it as [이] (i) or [으] (eu). It is important to articulate the diphthong correctly to ensure clear communication.

발음 주의: [의무] (O), [이무] (X), [으무] (X)

Pronunciation caution: [ui-mu] is correct.

국민의 의무를 잊지 마세요.

Do not forget the duties of a citizen.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—distinguishing it from 책임, using the correct verbs like 다하다, applying it to appropriate formal contexts, and pronouncing it accurately—you will master the usage of 의무.

The Korean language is rich with vocabulary related to duties, tasks, and responsibilities. While 의무 is a central term, understanding its synonyms and related words is crucial for expanding your vocabulary and grasping subtle nuances in meaning. These similar words often appear in the same contexts but carry slightly different connotations regarding the nature of the task, who assigned it, and the consequences of failing to complete it.

책임 (Responsibility / Accountability): As discussed previously, 책임 is the most common word confused with 의무. While 의무 is the duty you must perform, 책임 is the burden of accountability you carry for the outcome. If you are a team leader, your 의무 is to guide the team, but your 책임 is to answer to the boss if the project fails.

리더는 막중한 책임을 집니다.

A leader bears heavy responsibility.

임무 (Mission / Assignment / Task): 임무 refers to a specific task or mission assigned to someone, often in a military, corporate, or operational context. While 의무 is a broad, ongoing obligation (like paying taxes), an 임무 is usually a specific, time-bound objective that needs to be accomplished.

경찰은 시민을 보호할 임무를 띠고 있습니다.

The police are tasked with the mission of protecting citizens.

직무 (Job Duty / Professional Duty): 직무 specifically relates to the duties associated with one's job or profession. It is a highly formal word used in HR, legal documents, and performance evaluations. If someone is suspended from work, they might receive a 직무 정지 (suspension of job duties).

그는 직무 유기 혐의로 조사받고 있습니다.

He is under investigation for dereliction of duty (neglecting his professional duties).

Another related term is 본분 (one's true duty / primary obligation). This word has a slightly more philosophical or traditional tone. It refers to the fundamental duty that one must fulfill based on their status or role in life, such as a student's 본분 being to study, or a monk's 본분 being to seek enlightenment.

학생의 본분은 열심히 공부하는 것입니다.

A student's primary duty is to study hard.

Finally, 과제 (task/assignment) is a much lighter word, often used for homework, university projects, or corporate tasks. It lacks the moral or legal weight of 의무.

오늘까지 제출해야 할 과제가 많습니다.

I have many assignments to submit by today.

By distinguishing 의무 from 책임 (accountability), 임무 (mission), 직무 (professional duty), 본분 (fundamental role), and 과제 (task), you can select the precise word needed to convey your intended meaning in any situation.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-(으)ㄹ 의무가 있다 (To have a duty to do something)

-아/어야 하다 (Must do - often used to explain an 의무)

Noun + 적 (Changing a noun into an adjective, e.g., 의무적)

Noun + 화하다 (To make into a noun, e.g., 의무화하다 - to make mandatory)

-기 위해 (In order to - e.g., 의무를 다하기 위해)

Examples by Level

이것은 학생의 의무입니다.

This is a student's duty.

Noun + 의 (possessive) + Noun + 입니다 (formal copula).

의무가 아니에요.

It is not a duty.

Noun + 가 아니다 (to not be).

제 의무입니다.

It is my duty.

제 (my) + 의무 (duty) + 입니다 (is).

의무를 알아요?

Do you know the duty?

Noun + 를 (object particle) + 알다 (to know).

좋은 의무예요.

It is a good duty.

Adjective modifier (좋은) + Noun + 예요.

의무가 많아요.

There are many duties.

Noun + 가 (subject particle) + 많다 (to be many).

무슨 의무입니까?

What duty is it?

무슨 (what kind of) + Noun + 입니까 (question form).

의무가 없어요.

There is no duty.

Noun + 가 없다 (to not exist/have).

숙제를 하는 것은 학생의 의무예요.

Doing homework is a student's duty.

Verb + 는 것 (gerund) as subject.

우리는 규칙을 지킬 의무가 있어요.

We have a duty to keep the rules.

Verb + (으)ㄹ 의무가 있다 (have a duty to do).

한국에서 초등학교는 의무 교육입니다.

In Korea, elementary school is compulsory education.

Compound noun: 의무 교육 (compulsory education).

그것은 제 의무가 아닙니다.

That is not my duty.

Pronoun (그것) + 은/는 (topic marker).

의무를 다하는 사람이 멋있어요.

A person who fulfills their duty is cool.

Verb + 는 (modifier) + 사람 (person).

부모님의 의무는 무엇인가요?

What is the duty of parents?

Noun + 의 (possessive) + Noun.

청소는 우리의 의무입니다.

Cleaning is our duty.

Noun + 은/는 (topic marker).

의무적으로 참석해야 합니다.

You must attend obligatorily (It is mandatory to attend).

Noun + 적으로 (adverbial form).

모든 국민은 세금을 낼 의무가 있습니다.

All citizens have a duty to pay taxes.

세금을 내다 (to pay taxes) + (으)ㄹ 의무가 있다.

그는 자신의 의무를 다하기 위해 최선을 다했습니다.

He did his best to fulfill his duty.

Verb + 기 위해 (in order to).

권리만 주장하지 말고 의무도 생각하세요.

Don't just claim your rights, think about your duties too.

Verb + 지 말고 (instead of doing, do...).

남성들은 군대에 가야 하는 국방의 의무가 있습니다.

Men have the duty of national defense, which requires them to go to the military.

국방의 의무 (duty of national defense).

이 교육 과정은 신입 사원들에게 의무적입니다.

This training course is mandatory for new employees.

Noun + 에게 (to/for) + 의무적이다 (to be mandatory).

경찰은 시민의 안전을 지킬 의무를 지닙니다.

The police bear the duty to protect the safety of citizens.

의무를 지니다 (to bear/carry a duty).

의무감 때문에 그 일을 계속하고 싶지 않아요.

I don't want to keep doing that work just out of a sense of duty.

Noun + 때문에 (because of).

부모는 자녀를 건강하게 키울 도덕적 의무가 있습니다.

Parents have a moral obligation to raise their children healthily.

도덕적 의무 (moral obligation).

헌법에 따르면 모든 국민은 교육, 근로, 납세, 국방의 4대 의무를 집니다.

According to the constitution, all citizens bear the four major duties: education, labor, taxation, and national defense.

Noun + 에 따르면 (according to).

기업은 이윤 창출뿐만 아니라 사회적 책임을 다할 의무가 요구됩니다.

Companies are required to have a duty to fulfill social responsibilities, not just generate profits.

A 뿐만 아니라 B (not only A but also B).

그 공무원은 직무상 알게 된 비밀을 누설하지 않을 의무를 위반했습니다.

The public official violated the duty not to leak secrets learned during the course of their duties.

의무를 위반하다 (to violate a duty).

법적 의무와 도덕적 의무가 충돌할 때 우리는 어떤 선택을 해야 할까요?

When legal duty and moral duty conflict, what choice should we make?

A 와/과 B 가 충돌하다 (A and B conflict).

계약서 제5조에 명시된 바와 같이, 을은 갑에게 손해를 배상할 의무가 있습니다.

As specified in Article 5 of the contract, Party B has an obligation to compensate Party A for damages.

명시된 바와 같이 (as specified/stated).

의사는 환자의 생명을 구해야 하는 직업적 의무감을 최우선으로 삼아야 합니다.

A doctor must prioritize the professional sense of duty to save a patient's life.

A를 최우선으로 삼다 (to make A the top priority).

반려동물을 입양할 때는 끝까지 책임지고 돌볼 의무를 깊이 생각해야 합니다.

When adopting a pet, you must deeply consider the duty to take responsibility and care for it until the end.

Verb + (으)ㄹ 때는 (when doing...).

투표는 민주주의 사회에서 시민이 행사할 수 있는 권리이자 동시에 의무입니다.

Voting is both a right that citizens can exercise and a duty in a democratic society.

Noun + 이자 동시에 + Noun (both A and at the same time B).

현대 사회에서는 국가의 복지 제공 의무가 점차 강조되고 있는 추세입니다.

In modern society, the trend is that the state's duty to provide welfare is increasingly being emphasized.

Verb + 고 있는 추세이다 (is in the trend of doing).

피고인은 선량한 관리자로서의 주의의무를 다하지 않아 막대한 재산상의 손실을 초래했습니다.

The defendant failed to fulfill the duty of care as a good manager, resulting in massive property loss.

주의의무 (duty of care) / 초래하다 (to bring about/cause).

언론의 자유는 절대적인 권리가 아니라, 진실을 보도해야 할 무거운 의무를 수반합니다.

Freedom of the press is not an absolute right, but entails a heavy duty to report the truth.

A가 아니라 B (not A but B) / 수반하다 (to entail/accompany).

환경 오염을 방지하고 자연을 보전하는 것은 현세대가 미래 세대에게 지는 당연한 의무입니다.

Preventing environmental pollution and preserving nature is a natural duty that the current generation owes to future generations.

A에게 지는 의무 (a duty owed to A).

국제법상 각국은 자국 영토 내에서 타국의 안보를 위협하는 행위를 방지할 의무를 부담합니다.

Under international law, each country bears the obligation to prevent acts within its territory that threaten the security of other countries.

의무를 부담하다 (to bear an obligation - formal legal term).

개인의 권리 행사가 타인의 권리를 침해할 경우, 그 권리는 제한될 수 있으며 이는 공동체 구성원으로서의 의무에 기인합니다.

If the exercise of an individual's rights infringes upon the rights of others, those rights can be restricted, which stems from the duties as a member of the community.

A에 기인하다 (to stem from / be caused by A).

경영진은 주주의 이익을 극대화할 충실의무를 지니며, 이를 위반할 시 배임죄가 성립될 수 있습니다.

Management bears a fiduciary duty to maximize shareholder profits, and violating this can constitute a breach of trust.

충실의무 (fiduciary duty / duty of loyalty).

납세의 의무를 회피하기 위한 고의적인 조세 포탈 행위는 엄격한 법적 제재의 대상이 됩니다.

Intentional tax evasion acts to avoid the duty of taxation are subject to strict legal sanctions.

Verb + 기 위한 (in order to) / 제재의 대상이 되다 (to be subject to sanctions).

헌법재판소는 해당 법률 조항이 국민의 기본권을 과도하게 침해하여 국가의 기본권 보호 의무를 위반했다고 판시하였다.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the legal provision excessively infringed upon citizens' fundamental rights, thereby violating the state's duty to protect fundamental rights.

판시하다 (to rule/adjudge) / 보호 의무 (duty to protect).

칸트의 의무론적 윤리설에 따르면, 행위의 도덕적 가치는 그 결과가 아니라 오로지 의무감에서 비롯된 동기에 의해 결정된다.

According to Kant's deontological ethics, the moral value of an action is determined not by its consequences, but solely by the motive stemming from a sense of duty.

의무론적 윤리설 (deontological ethics) / 비롯되다 (to originate from).

공직자의 이해충돌 방지법은 공익과 사익이 교차하는 지점에서 공직자가 준수해야 할 작위 및 부작위 의무를 명확히 규정하고 있다.

The Conflict of Interest Prevention Act for Public Officials clearly defines the duties of action and omission that public officials must observe at the intersection of public and private interests.

작위 및 부작위 의무 (duty of action and omission).

국가의 작위의무가 도출되기 위해서는 헌법상 명문 규정이나 조리상의 헌법적 의무가 전제되어야 한다는 것이 다수설의 입장이다.

The majority opinion is that for a state's duty to act to be derived, an explicit constitutional provision or a constitutional duty based on legal principles must be presupposed.

작위의무 (duty to act) / 다수설 (majority opinion/theory).

의료과오 소송에서 의사의 설명의무 위반은 환자의 자기결정권을 침해한 것으로 간주되어 손해배상 책임의 근거가 된다.

In medical malpractice lawsuits, a doctor's violation of the duty to explain is considered an infringement of the patient's right to self-determination and serves as grounds for liability for damages.

설명의무 (duty to explain / informed consent) / 간주되다 (to be considered/deemed).

기업의 환경·사회·지배구조(ESG) 경영은 단순한 시혜적 차원을 넘어, 지속 가능한 발전을 위한 기업의 본질적 당위이자 규범적 의무로 격상되었다.

Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management has been elevated beyond mere benevolence to an essential imperative and normative duty for sustainable development.

당위 (imperative/what ought to be) / 규범적 의무 (normative duty).

국제인도법상 교전 당사국은 민간인과 전투원을 구별하고 민간인 피해를 최소화해야 할 절대적이고도 강행규범적인 의무를 부담한다.

Under international humanitarian law, warring parties bear an absolute and peremptory normative duty to distinguish between civilians and combatants and minimize civilian casualties.

강행규범적인 의무 (peremptory normative duty / jus cogens obligation).

자본주의 사회에서 소유권의 절대성은 인정되나, 재산권의 행사는 공공복리에 적합하도록 해야 한다는 사회적 구속성과 의무가 헌법에 내재되어 있다.

While the absoluteness of ownership is recognized in a capitalist society, the social constraint and duty that the exercise of property rights must conform to public welfare are inherent in the constitution.

사회적 구속성 (social constraint) / 내재되어 있다 (to be inherent/immanent).

Synonyms

책임 임무 과업 본분

Antonyms

권리 자유

Common Collocations

의무를 다하다

의무를 지다

의무가 있다

의무가 없다

의무를 소홀히 하다

의무를 저버리다

의무를 부과하다

의무를 위반하다

의무를 수행하다

의무를 면제받다

Common Phrases

국방의 의무

납세의 의무

교육의 의무

근로의 의무

도덕적 의무

법적 의무

권리와 의무

의무 교육

의무 복무

의무감에 사로잡히다

Often Confused With

의무 vs 책임 (Responsibility - focus on outcome/accountability)

의무 vs 임무 (Mission - focus on a specific assigned task)

의무 vs 과제 (Task/Homework - focus on work to be completed)

Idioms & Expressions

"의무를 다하다 (Fulfill one's duty - acts as a fixed phrase)"

"국방의 의무를 지다 (To bear the duty of national defense - standard idiom for conscription)"

"권리 위에 잠자는 자는 보호받지 못한다 (Those who sleep on their rights are not protected - legal maxim often contrasted with duties)"

"의무 없는 자에게 권리 없다 (No rights without duties - philosophical phrase)"

"도리를 다하다 (To fulfill one's moral duty - similar idiomatic expression)"

"본분을 잊지 않다 (Not to forget one's primary duty)"

"책임을 회피하다 (To evade responsibility/duty)"

"어깨가 무겁다 (Shoulders are heavy - idiom for feeling the weight of duty)"

"십자가를 지다 (To bear the cross - idiom for taking on a heavy duty/burden)"

"제 몫을 다하다 (To do one's share/duty)"

Easily Confused

의무 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

Do not use 의무 for light, everyday chores like cleaning your room or doing the dishes. It sounds unnaturally dramatic. Reserve it for serious, formal, or societal obligations.

Common Mistakes

Saying '의무를 하다' instead of '의무를 다하다'.
Confusing 의무 (duty to act) with 책임 (accountability for the result).
Using 의무 for trivial daily chores like cleaning.
Pronouncing 의무 as [이무] or [으무].
Saying '의무를 받다' (to receive a duty) instead of '의무를 지다' (to bear a duty) or '의무가 부여되다' (to be assigned a duty).

Tips

Use '다하다'

Always pair 의무 with the verb 다하다 to mean 'fulfill a duty'. Memorize '의무를 다하다' as a single chunk of vocabulary.

Rights and Duties

Learn 의무 and 권리 (rights) together. They are two sides of the same coin in civics and are frequently tested together in TOPIK reading sections.

Clear 'Ui' Sound

Practice the '의' sound. Since it's the first syllable, it must be pronounced fully as [의], not lazily as [이].

Military Context

If you hear young Korean men complaining about their '의무', they are almost certainly talking about mandatory military service (국방의 의무).

Avoid for Chores

Do not use 의무 for washing dishes or taking out the trash. It makes you sound like a dramatic movie character. Use '할 일' instead.

Modifier Form

To say 'I have a duty TO DO something', use the future modifier -(으)ㄹ before 의무. Example: 지킬 의무 (duty to protect).

Business Contracts

If you work in Korea, look for the word 의무 in your employment contract. It lists exactly what you are legally required to do.

TOPIK II Essay

Using the phrase '도덕적 의무' (moral duty) or '사회적 의무' (social duty) in your TOPIK level 54 essay will instantly boost your vocabulary score.

Sense of Duty

Add '-감' to make '의무감' (sense of duty). Use this to describe why someone does something they don't enjoy but feel they must do.

Bearing a Duty

Use the verb '지다' (to bear) when talking about legal or heavy burdens. '의무를 지다' means to bear an obligation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'Emu' (의무) wearing a military uniform, fulfilling its 'duty' to protect the zoo. The Emu takes its duty very seriously!

Visual Association

A scale balancing a scroll (Rights - 권리) on one side and a heavy weight (Duty - 의무) on the other.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Military service is the most common context for '의무' in daily conversation among young people.

Middle school is the limit of '의무 교육' (compulsory education) in Korea, though almost everyone attends high school.

Moral duties to family and society often outweigh individual desires in traditional Korean thought.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"한국에서 남자의 가장 큰 의무는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?"

"시민으로서 가장 중요한 의무는 무엇일까요?"

"도덕적 의무와 법적 의무가 다를 때 어떻게 해야 할까요?"

"부모의 의무는 어디까지라고 생각합니까?"

"권리와 의무 중 어느 것이 먼저라고 생각하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to fulfill a difficult duty (의무를 다하다).

Discuss the four major duties of a Korean citizen and compare them to your country.

Do you think voting should be a legal duty (법적 의무) or a choice?

Describe the duties you have in your current job or as a student.

Write an essay on the balance between individual rights and societal duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds very formal. You can say '숙제는 학생의 의무입니다' (Homework is a student's duty) in a formal essay or speech. However, in casual conversation, it's better to just say '숙제를 해야 해요' (I have to do my homework).

의무 is the duty you are required to perform (e.g., paying taxes). 책임 is the responsibility or accountability you hold for the results of an action. You fulfill an 의무, but you take 책임 for a mistake.

You can use the adjective form '의무적' (obligatory/mandatory). For example, '의무적인 참석' means mandatory attendance. You can also use '필수' (essential/required).

The South Korean Constitution outlines four main duties: 납세의 의무 (taxation), 국방의 의무 (national defense), 교육의 의무 (education), and 근로의 의무 (labor).

South Korea has mandatory military conscription for all able-bodied men due to the ongoing tension with North Korea. Therefore, '국방의 의무' (duty of national defense) is a major life event and a frequent topic of discussion.

No, it sounds unnatural. The correct verb collocation is '의무를 다하다' (to fulfill one's duty) or '의무를 수행하다' (to carry out one's duty).

The direct conceptual opposite is '권리' (right). They are often used together in the phrase '권리와 의무' (rights and duties).

It is pronounced [의무] (ui-mu). Make sure to pronounce the first syllable as a diphthong 'ui', not just 'i' or 'eu'.

The suffix '-감' means 'feeling' or 'sense'. Therefore, '의무감' means a 'sense of duty'. For example, '의무감으로 일하다' means to work out of a sense of duty.

Yes, very frequently. It appears in contracts to define the obligations of each party (e.g., 비밀유지 의무 - duty of confidentiality) and in HR for mandatory training (의무 교육).