This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #2,000 most common 10 min read

义务

yiwu Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 义务 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 义务 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. The concept of '义务' (yì wù) is generally too abstract and complex for absolute beginners, who are focusing on basic survival vocabulary like numbers, greetings, and simple daily objects. However, if introduced, it is taught in its most simplified form: as something you 'must do' (必须做的事情). Teachers might use it to explain basic classroom rules or simple family dynamics, such as 'It is your duty to do homework' (做作业是你的义务). The focus at this stage is not on the legal or moral nuances, but simply associating the word with the idea of a requirement. Learners might recognize the characters '义' and '务' separately in other contexts later, but as a compound word, it is treated as a single vocabulary item meaning 'duty'. The grammatical structures used with it are kept extremely simple, typically using the verb '是' (to be) as in '这是我的义务' (This is my duty). At this stage, the primary goal is passive recognition rather than active, nuanced usage. The cultural weight of the word is largely bypassed in favor of basic comprehension. It serves as a foundational building block for understanding more complex societal rules that will be introduced in later stages of learning.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their vocabulary expands to include more aspects of daily life, routines, and basic social interactions. At this stage, '义务' (yì wù) becomes slightly more relevant. Learners begin to encounter the word in the context of simple societal rules and common expectations. For instance, they might learn about '义务教育' (compulsory education) when discussing school systems, or they might hear about '义务劳动' (volunteer work) in the context of community activities. The grammatical usage becomes slightly more complex. Instead of just saying 'This is my duty', learners are taught to use the pattern '有义务做某事' (have an obligation to do something). For example, '我们有义务打扫教室' (We have an obligation to clean the classroom). The distinction between '义务' (duty) and '权利' (right) might be introduced in a very basic way, perhaps in a simplified reading passage about citizenship or school rules. However, the deep legal and philosophical implications remain unexplored. The focus is on practical, everyday applications of the word. Learners are encouraged to use it to describe their responsibilities at home, at school, or in their immediate community, helping them to articulate their roles within these small social structures.

The B1 level is the target CEFR level for the word '义务' (yì wù). At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to understand and discuss topics related to society, culture, and personal opinions. '义务' becomes a crucial vocabulary word for expressing ideas about civic responsibility, legal requirements, and moral duties. Learners are now taught the specific verb pairings that make their Chinese sound natural, particularly '尽义务' (to fulfill an obligation) and '履行义务' (to carry out an obligation). They learn to distinguish '义务' from similar words like '责任' (responsibility) and '任务' (task). The dual meaning of '义务'—both as a mandatory duty and as a voluntary, unpaid action (like 义务献血 - voluntary blood donation)—is explicitly taught and practiced. In reading and listening exercises, learners will encounter '义务' in news articles, opinion pieces, and discussions about social issues. They are expected to use the word actively in writing and speaking to express their views on what citizens owe to their country, what family members owe to each other, and the balance between rights and obligations. Mastery of '义务' at this level demonstrates a solid understanding of Chinese societal norms and the ability to engage in more abstract, conceptual conversations.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are dealing with complex texts and abstract concepts. Their use of '义务' (yì wù) must be precise and nuanced. They are expected to fully grasp the legal, moral, and cultural weight of the word. Discussions involving '义务' at this level often revolve around complex social issues, such as the legal obligations of corporations (企业社会责任与义务), the moral duties of individuals in a globalized world, or the intricacies of family law (赡养义务). Learners must be comfortable using formal vocabulary and complex sentence structures. They should effortlessly use phrases like '履行法定义务' (fulfill legal obligations) or '承担道德义务' (bear moral obligations). The ability to debate the limits of one's obligations versus one's rights is a key skill at this level. Furthermore, learners should be able to understand the historical and cultural context of '义务' in Chinese society, recognizing how Confucian ideals of duty and righteousness influence modern interpretations of the word. Errors in verb pairing or confusing '义务' with '责任' should be minimal. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for sophisticated argumentation and deep cultural analysis.

At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a high degree of fluency and can express themselves on a wide range of demanding topics. Their understanding and usage of '义务' (yì wù) approach that of a native speaker. They encounter the word in academic papers, legal documents, literary works, and high-level political discourse. At this stage, learners can easily navigate the subtle nuances between '义务' and highly formal synonyms or related concepts. They can analyze texts that discuss the philosophical underpinnings of '义务', such as the social contract or traditional Chinese ethics. In their own production, they use the word with rhetorical flair, employing it in complex, multi-clause sentences to construct persuasive arguments. They understand the implicit cultural expectations tied to the word, such as the unspoken obligations within '关系' (guanxi - social networks) and family hierarchies. They can also comprehend and use idiomatic or highly formal expressions containing the concept of duty. At the C1 level, '义务' is integrated seamlessly into a vast and sophisticated vocabulary, allowing the learner to engage in professional, academic, and philosophical discussions with precision and elegance.

The C2 level represents near-native proficiency. At this pinnacle of language learning, the understanding of '义务' (yì wù) is absolute and instinctive. Learners can dissect the etymology of the characters '义' and '务' to explain their historical evolution and semantic shifts over millennia. They can read classical Chinese texts where the roots of these concepts lie and connect them to contemporary legal and social frameworks. In professional settings, such as law or diplomacy, they can draft documents using '义务' with exact legal precision, understanding the minute differences in liability and duty that the word implies in different contexts. They can engage in highly abstract philosophical debates about the nature of duty, free will, and societal structures, using '义务' as a core conceptual pivot. Their usage is not only grammatically flawless but also stylistically perfect, adapting the tone and register to suit any audience, from a casual philosophical chat to a formal keynote address. At the C2 level, the learner doesn't just use the word '义务'; they command it, utilizing its full cultural, historical, and linguistic resonance to communicate with profound depth and clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

义务 in 30 Seconds

Means 'obligation' or 'duty'.
Can be legal (taxes) or moral (family).
Often contrasted with '权利' (rights).
Also means 'voluntary' (e.g., 义务劳动).

The Chinese word '义务' (yì wù) is a fundamental concept in both everyday life and legal contexts, translating primarily to 'obligation' or 'duty'. To truly understand this word, we must break down its constituent characters. The first character, '义' (yì), carries the profound historical and cultural meaning of righteousness, justice, and morality. It is a core tenet of Confucian philosophy, representing the moral disposition to do good and what is right. The second character, '务' (wù), translates to affairs, business, or tasks. When combined, '义务' literally means 'righteous tasks' or 'tasks dictated by justice'. In modern usage, it has evolved to represent actions or duties that a person is morally or legally bound to perform. This concept is deeply embedded in Chinese society, which places a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and social harmony. Understanding '义务' is crucial for learners at the B1 level as it frequently appears in discussions about citizenship, family roles, and professional responsibilities.

Legal Obligation: In a legal context, '义务' refers to duties mandated by law, such as paying taxes or serving in the military. These are non-negotiable and enforceable by state apparatus.

纳税是每个公民的义务.

Beyond the law, '义务' also encompasses moral duties. These are obligations dictated by societal norms, ethics, and personal conscience. For example, caring for elderly parents is considered a profound moral obligation in Chinese culture, reflecting the virtue of filial piety.

Moral Obligation: Moral obligations are not enforced by law but by social expectations and personal ethics, such as helping a neighbor in need or telling the truth.

照顾父母是子女的义务.

It is also important to note that '义务' is frequently paired and contrasted with '权利' (quán lì), which means 'rights'. In civic education, the balance between rights and obligations is a central theme. You cannot enjoy rights without fulfilling your obligations. Furthermore, '义务' can function as an adjective meaning 'voluntary' or 'free of charge', as in '义务劳动' (voluntary labor) or '义务教育' (compulsory/free education). This dual nature—meaning both 'mandatory duty' and 'voluntary service'—can be confusing but is resolved by context.

他经常参加义务劳动.

Voluntary Aspect: When used to describe work or service, it implies that the action is done out of a sense of duty without expecting financial compensation.

这是九年制义务教育.

我们有义务保护环境.

By mastering the nuances of '义务', learners gain deep insights into Chinese societal values, legal frameworks, and the moral expectations placed upon individuals within the community. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal ethics and public law, making it indispensable for advanced communication.

Using '义务' (yì wù) correctly requires an understanding of its common collocations, verb pairings, and syntactic roles within a sentence. As a noun, it frequently functions as the object of specific verbs. The most common verb paired with '义务' is '尽' (jìn), which means to fulfill or to do one's utmost. Therefore, '尽义务' (jìn yì wù) means to fulfill one's obligation. Another highly formal and common verb is '履行' (lǚ xíng), meaning to execute or carry out. '履行义务' (lǚ xíng yì wù) is the standard phrasing in legal and official documents.

Verb Pairing: 尽 (jìn): Used in both spoken and written Chinese to express the completion or fulfillment of a moral or personal duty.

作为父亲，他没有尽到应有的义务.

Verb Pairing: 履行 (lǚ xíng): A formal verb used primarily in legal, corporate, or official contexts to denote the carrying out of mandated duties.

合同双方必须严格履行各自的义务.

When '义务' is used to mean 'voluntary' or 'unpaid', it acts as an attributive modifier placed directly before a noun. Common examples include '义务劳动' (voluntary labor), '义务献血' (voluntary blood donation), and '义务工作者' (volunteer worker). In these cases, the word describes the nature of the noun that follows it, indicating that the action is performed without expectation of monetary reward, driven purely by a sense of social responsibility.

周末我们去社区做义务劳动.

Attributive Usage: When placed before nouns like 'education' (教育) or 'labor' (劳动), it transforms the meaning to 'compulsory' or 'voluntary' depending on the specific institutional context.

她是一名热心的义务工作者.

Structurally, you will often see '义务' in the pattern '有义务 + verb phrase', which translates to 'have an obligation to do something'. This is a highly productive sentence pattern. For example, '我们有义务保护环境' (We have an obligation to protect the environment). This pattern is used to assert moral or legal imperatives clearly and forcefully.

每个人都有义务遵守法律.

Mastering these verb pairings, attributive uses, and sentence patterns will allow learners to use '义务' naturally and accurately in a wide variety of contexts, from casual conversations about family duties to formal debates about civic responsibilities.

The word '义务' (yì wù) permeates various facets of Chinese life, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. One of the most prominent places you will encounter this word is in legal and civic discourse. In news broadcasts, government announcements, and legal documents, '义务' is constantly used to remind citizens of their duties to the state and society. Phrases like '公民的权利和义务' (the rights and obligations of citizens) are staples of political education and legal literature.

Legal and Civic Contexts: Used extensively in constitutions, contracts, and civic education to define what is legally required of individuals and organizations.

依法服兵役是公民的光荣义务.

In the realm of education, '义务' is universally recognized through the term '义务教育' (compulsory education). China implements a nine-year compulsory education system, and this term is used by parents, teachers, and policymakers alike. It signifies the state's obligation to provide education and the family's obligation to ensure children attend school.

Educational Contexts: Primarily heard in discussions about the school system, specifically referring to the mandatory nine years of schooling.

国家实行九年制义务教育.

You will also hear '义务' frequently in discussions about family and relationships. Traditional Chinese culture places a heavy emphasis on family roles, and '义务' is used to describe the duties family members owe to one another. For instance, children have an '义务' to care for their aging parents (赡养义务), and parents have an '义务' to raise their children (抚养义务).

抚养孩子是父母的法定义务.

Family Contexts: Used to articulate the deep-seated moral and legal responsibilities that bind family members together across generations.

赡养老人是中华民族的传统义务.

Finally, in community and social settings, '义务' is heard in the context of volunteerism. Community boards might ask for '义务劳动' (volunteer work) to clean up a neighborhood, or hospitals might organize '义务献血' (volunteer blood drives). In these scenarios, the word appeals to a person's sense of civic duty and altruism.

社区正在组织义务植树活动.

Understanding these diverse contexts helps learners appreciate the multifaceted nature of '义务', recognizing it not just as a strict legal term, but as a vital component of social cohesion, educational policy, and family dynamics in the Chinese-speaking world.

When learning '义务' (yì wù), students frequently encounter several pitfalls, primarily stemming from its overlap with other words related to responsibility and its specific grammatical requirements. The most common mistake is confusing '义务' with '责任' (zé rèn). While both translate roughly to 'responsibility' or 'duty', they are used differently. '义务' refers to a mandatory obligation, often dictated by law, morality, or a specific role (like a citizen's duty). '责任', on the other hand, is broader; it refers to the responsibility for a specific task, the blame or liability when something goes wrong, or a general sense of responsibility.

Mistake: 义务 vs 责任: Do not use '义务' when you mean 'liability' or 'blame'. If a project fails, you take the '责任' (blame/responsibility), not the '义务'.

Wrong: 这是我的义务，我没做好。 (Should be 责任)

Another frequent error involves incorrect verb pairings. English speakers often try to translate 'to do an obligation' literally, resulting in the unnatural phrase '做义务' (zuò yì wù). In Chinese, obligations are 'fulfilled' or 'carried out'. The correct verbs are '尽' (jìn) for general or moral obligations, and '履行' (lǚ xíng) for formal or legal obligations.

Mistake: Incorrect Verbs: Avoid using generic verbs like '做' (to do) or '有' (to have) incorrectly. While '有义务' (have an obligation) is correct, '做义务' is wrong unless it means 'doing volunteer work'.

Correct: 他没有尽到父亲的义务.

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the dual meaning of '义务' as both 'mandatory' and 'voluntary'. This seems contradictory. The confusion is resolved by looking at the syntax. When '义务' is a standalone noun, it means a mandatory obligation. When it acts as an adjective modifying another noun (like 劳动 labor, or 献血 blood donation), it usually means 'voluntary' or 'unpaid'.

Mistake: Misinterpreting Context: Failing to distinguish between '义务' as a strict duty and '义务' as an unpaid, voluntary action based on its position in the sentence.

Pay attention: 义务劳动 means voluntary labor, not forced labor.

我们必须履行合同规定的义务.

不要把责任和义务混淆。

By paying close attention to these distinctions—especially the difference between '义务' and '责任', and mastering the correct verb pairings—learners can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of their Chinese expression.

The semantic field of responsibility and duty in Chinese is rich, and '义务' (yì wù) shares this space with several other important words. Distinguishing between them is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. The most closely related words are '责任' (zé rèn), '职责' (zhí zé), '任务' (rèn wù), and '使命' (shǐ mìng). Each has its own specific nuance and typical context of use.

责任 (zé rèn) - Responsibility / Liability: This is the most general word for responsibility. It covers moral duties, job requirements, and crucially, the liability or blame when something goes wrong. Unlike '义务', which is often mandated by external rules, '责任' can be an internal sense of duty or the consequence of an action.

保护环境，人人有责(任)，这也是我们的义务.

职责 (zhí zé) - Professional Duty: This word is strictly related to one's job, profession, or official position. It refers to the specific tasks and responsibilities outlined in a job description. While '义务' can be a civic or moral duty, '职责' is always tied to a professional role.

医生的职责是救死扶伤，这是他们神圣的义务.

任务 (rèn wù) - Task / Assignment: This refers to a specific piece of work assigned to someone, usually with a deadline or specific goal. It is concrete and actionable. '义务' is a broader, more abstract concept of duty, whereas '任务' is a specific job to be completed.

完成这项任务是我的义务.

Finally, '使命' (shǐ mìng) translates to 'mission' or 'calling'. It carries a heavy, almost sacred connotation, often used in the context of historical destiny, national goals, or profound personal life purposes. It is much grander than '义务'.

为了国家的未来，我们必须承担起历史的使命和义务.

区分这些词汇能让你更准确地表达义务的概念。

By understanding the boundaries between '义务', '责任', '职责', '任务', and '使命', learners can navigate complex discussions about work, law, and morality with precision and cultural sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

Expressing necessity with 必须 (bì xū) and 应该 (yīng gāi).

Using 作为 (zuò wéi) to indicate a role (e.g., 作为学生，有义务...).

Contrasting ideas with 虽然...但是... (Although... but...).

Using 既...又... (Both... and...) to connect rights and obligations.

Formal verb-object structures in written Chinese.

Examples by Level

这是我的义务。

This is my duty.

Basic '是' (to be) sentence structure.

做作业是义务。

Doing homework is an obligation.

Using a verb phrase as the subject.

我没有这个义务。

I do not have this obligation.

Negative form using '没有'.

你的义务是什么？

What is your duty?

Basic question using '什么'.

他知道他的义务。

He knows his duty.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.

这是好人的义务。

This is the duty of a good person.

Using '的' for possession/attribution.

大家都有义务。

Everyone has an obligation.

Using '都有' to express universal possession.

我不懂这个义务。

I don't understand this obligation.

Using '不懂' for lack of understanding.

我们有义务保护环境。

We have an obligation to protect the environment.

Pattern: 有义务 + verb phrase.

这是九年制义务教育。

This is nine-year compulsory education.

'义务' used as an attributive modifier for '教育'.

周末我去参加义务劳动。

I am going to participate in voluntary labor this weekend.

'义务' meaning voluntary/unpaid.

照顾小狗是你的义务。

Taking care of the puppy is your responsibility.

Using a specific action as the subject.

每个人都应该尽义务。

Everyone should fulfill their duty.

Introduction of the verb '尽' (to fulfill).

权利和义务是平等的。

Rights and obligations are equal.

Contrasting '权利' and '义务'.

他没有履行他的义务。

He did not fulfill his obligation.

Introduction of the formal verb '履行'.

帮助同学是我的义务。

Helping classmates is my duty.

Expressing moral duty in a school context.

作为公民，纳税是我们必须履行的法定义务。

As citizens, paying taxes is a legal obligation we must fulfill.

Complex sentence with '作为' and '法定义务'.

父母有抚养未成年子女的义务。

Parents have the obligation to raise their minor children.

Specific legal/family terminology: '抚养'.

成年子女有赡养年老父母的义务。

Adult children have the obligation to support their elderly parents.

Specific legal/family terminology: '赡养'.

在享受权利的同时，我们也必须尽到相应的义务。

While enjoying rights, we must also fulfill the corresponding obligations.

Pattern: 在...的同时 (At the same time as...).

他是一名义务献血者，已经坚持了十年。

He is a voluntary blood donor and has persisted for ten years.

'义务' used to mean voluntary in a specific compound noun.

这份合同明确规定了双方的权利和义务。

This contract clearly stipulates the rights and obligations of both parties.

Usage in a business/legal context.

保护文化遗产是全社会共同的义务。

Protecting cultural heritage is the common obligation of the whole society.

Expressing collective societal duty.

你不能只要求权利，却拒绝承担义务。

You cannot only demand rights but refuse to bear obligations.

Contrasting verbs: '要求' vs '承担'.

企业在追求利润最大化的同时，绝不能忽视其应尽的社会义务。

While pursuing profit maximization, enterprises must never ignore their due social obligations.

Advanced vocabulary: '利润最大化', '忽视', '应尽'.

根据国际法，缔约国必须切实履行条约所规定的各项义务。

According to international law, contracting states must earnestly fulfill the various obligations stipulated in the treaty.

Formal legal phrasing: '缔约国', '切实履行'.

道德义务虽然没有法律的强制约束力，但却是维系社会和谐的基石。

Although moral obligations lack the coercive binding force of law, they are the cornerstone of maintaining social harmony.

Complex concessive clause with '虽然...但却...'.

在面对突发公共卫生事件时，如实报告病情是每个公民不可推卸的义务。

When facing sudden public health emergencies, reporting one's condition truthfully is an unshirkable obligation of every citizen.

Idiomatic expression: '不可推卸的义务'.

新闻媒体有义务向公众提供客观、公正、准确的信息。

News media have an obligation to provide the public with objective, fair, and accurate information.

Listing multiple adjectives to modify a noun.

这种将自身义务转嫁给他人的行为，受到了社会各界的强烈谴责。

This behavior of shifting one's own obligations onto others has been strongly condemned by all sectors of society.

Advanced verb '转嫁' (to shift/transfer).

法律不仅保障公民的合法权益，也设定了公民必须遵守的底线义务。

The law not only protects the legitimate rights and interests of citizens but also sets the baseline obligations that citizens must observe.

Parallel structure: '不仅...也...'.

作为一名教育工作者，他深知自己肩负着培养下一代的崇高义务。

As an educator, he is deeply aware that he shoulders the noble obligation of cultivating the next generation.

Metaphorical verb '肩负' (to shoulder).

在探讨社会契约论时，我们不可避免地要触及个人自由与国家强制义务之间的张力。

When exploring social contract theory, we inevitably touch upon the tension between individual freedom and mandatory state obligations.

Academic vocabulary: '社会契约论', '张力'.

该法案的颁布，标志着我国在环境保护方面，从倡导性规范向实质性法律义务的重大转变。

The promulgation of this bill marks a major shift in our country's environmental protection from advocacy norms to substantive legal obligations.

Formal bureaucratic language: '颁布', '倡导性规范'.

传统儒家思想强调基于血缘和伦理的差序格局，其中蕴含着极为复杂的家族义务体系。

Traditional Confucian thought emphasizes a differential mode of association based on blood ties and ethics, which contains an extremely complex system of family obligations.

Sociological/cultural terminology: '差序格局', '蕴含'.

跨国公司在东道国运营时，除了遵守当地法律，还应主动承担超越法定最低标准的道义义务。

When multinational companies operate in host countries, in addition to complying with local laws, they should proactively assume moral obligations that exceed the statutory minimum standards.

Business ethics terminology: '东道国', '道义义务'.

对于那些为了公共利益而牺牲个人利益的英雄，社会有义务给予他们最高的荣誉和最妥善的安置。

For those heroes who sacrifice their personal interests for the public good, society has an obligation to give them the highest honor and the most appropriate placement.

Complex relative clause and formal nouns: '妥善的安置'.

在数字时代，平台企业对于保护用户数据隐私，负有不可推卸的、先于商业利益的审查义务。

In the digital age, platform enterprises bear an unshirkable censorship obligation to protect user data privacy that precedes commercial interests.

Tech/legal jargon: '审查义务', '先于'.

任何试图规避国际法所规定的核不扩散义务的行为，都将遭到国际社会的坚决抵制。

Any attempt to circumvent the nuclear non-proliferation obligations stipulated by international law will face resolute resistance from the international community.

Diplomatic language: '规避', '核不扩散', '坚决抵制'.

知识分子应当秉持批判精神，履行其作为社会良知的启蒙义务，而非沦为权力的附庸。

Intellectuals should uphold a critical spirit and fulfill their enlightenment obligations as the conscience of society, rather than being reduced to appendages of power.

Literary/philosophical phrasing: '社会良知', '附庸'.

义务之于权利，犹如影之随形；剥离了义务的权利诉求，往往沦为无源之水、无本之木，最终导致社会秩序的解构。

Obligation is to right as a shadow is to a form; demands for rights stripped of obligations often degenerate into water without a source or a tree without roots, ultimately leading to the deconstruction of social order.

Classical idioms and highly literary structure: '犹如影之随形', '无源之水'.

在法理学的深层语境中，义务并非仅仅是对自由的限制，更是建构理性主体间互信契约的本体论前提。

In the deep context of jurisprudence, obligation is not merely a restriction on freedom, but rather the ontological premise for constructing a contract of mutual trust among rational subjects.

Jurisprudential and philosophical jargon: '法理学', '本体论前提'.

历史的吊诡之处在于，那些最沉重的民族复兴义务，往往是由最不具备资源和话语权的底层民众以血肉之躯默默承载的。

The paradox of history lies in the fact that the heaviest obligations of national rejuvenation are often silently borne by the grassroots masses, who possess the least resources and discourse power, with their very flesh and blood.

Profound historical analysis: '吊诡', '话语权', '血肉之躯'.

康德式的绝对命令要求我们将道德义务视为先验的法则，不掺杂任何功利主义的考量，这在物欲横流的现代社会显得尤为悲壮而崇高。

The Kantian categorical imperative requires us to view moral obligations as a priori laws, unadulterated by any utilitarian considerations, which appears particularly tragic and sublime in a modern society overflowing with material desires.

Western philosophy references: '绝对命令', '先验', '功利主义'.

当公权力异化为压迫的工具时，公民是否还负有绝对的服从义务，抑或拥有抵抗的自然权利，这是政治哲学中永恒的阿喀琉斯之踵。

When public power alienates into a tool of oppression, whether citizens still bear an absolute obligation of obedience, or possess a natural right to resist, is the eternal Achilles' heel in political philosophy.

Political philosophy and classical allusions: '异化', '阿喀琉斯之踵'.

文学巨匠的笔触，往往能穿透世俗的伪善，直击人性深处关于救赎与义务的永恒拷问，令人在掩卷之余陷入长久的沉思。

The brushstrokes of literary masters can often penetrate secular hypocrisy, directly striking the eternal interrogation of redemption and obligation deep within human nature, leaving one in prolonged contemplation after closing the book.

Literary criticism style: '世俗的伪善', '掩卷之余'.

在全球生态危机的逼视下，人类必须超越狭隘的人类中心主义，确立对地球生物圈的整体性伦理义务，方能谋求文明的赓续。

Under the glare of the global ecological crisis, humanity must transcend narrow anthropocentrism and establish a holistic ethical obligation to the Earth's biosphere in order to seek the continuation of civilization.

Ecological philosophy: '人类中心主义', '赓续'.

司法裁判的艺术，不仅在于对法律条文的机械适用，更在于在错综复杂的利益纠葛中，精准地界定权利的边界与义务的深度，以实现实质正义。

The art of judicial adjudication lies not only in the mechanical application of legal provisions, but more importantly, in accurately defining the boundaries of rights and the depth of obligations amidst intricate conflicts of interest, in order to achieve substantive justice.

Advanced legal theory: '司法裁判', '实质正义'.

Synonyms

责任职责使命

Antonyms

权利特权

Common Collocations

尽义务

履行义务

法定义务

道德义务

社会义务

国际义务

赡养义务

抚养义务

义务教育

义务劳动

Common Phrases

有义务做某事

尽到...的义务

履行...的义务

承担...的义务

逃避义务

免除义务

权利与义务

尽心尽义务

无条件履行义务

不可推卸的义务

Often Confused With

义务 vs 责任 (zé rèn) - Responsibility/Liability

义务 vs 任务 (rèn wù) - Task/Assignment

义务 vs 职责 (zhí zé) - Professional duty

Idioms & Expressions

"责无旁贷"

"义不容辞"

"当仁不让"

"匹夫有责"

"分内之事"

"尽职尽责"

"克尽厥职"

"鞠躬尽瘁"

"死而后已"

"引为己任"

Easily Confused

义务 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

While '义务' translates to 'obligation', its usage is broader than in English due to its dual meaning of 'mandatory duty' and 'voluntary service'. Always rely on context (especially its position as a noun vs. an attributive adjective) to determine the exact meaning.

Common Mistakes

Using 做 (zuò) instead of 尽 (jìn) or 履行 (lǚ xíng) with 义务.
Confusing 义务 (mandatory duty) with 责任 (liability/blame).
Misunderstanding 义务劳动 as 'forced labor' instead of 'voluntary labor'.
Pronouncing it with incorrect tones (e.g., second tone instead of fourth tone).
Using 义务 when referring to a specific professional task (which should be 职责 or 任务).

Tips

Verb Pairing is Key

Never say '做义务' (zuò yì wù) to mean 'do a duty'. Always use '尽' (jìn) or '履行' (lǚ xíng). This is the fastest way to sound more native.

Memorize the Pair

Always learn '义务' (obligations) alongside '权利' (rights). They are the yin and yang of civic vocabulary in Chinese.

Context Changes Meaning

If '义务' is a standalone noun, it means 'mandatory duty'. If it's modifying another noun (like work or blood), it usually means 'voluntary/unpaid'.

Double Fourth Tone

Both characters in '义务' (yì wù) are fourth tone. Practice saying them with a sharp, falling pitch to ensure you are understood clearly.

Family Duties

In Chinese culture, obligations to family (赡养 parents, 抚养 children) are taken very seriously and are often enshrined in law, not just morality.

Formal Documents

If you are reading or writing a contract in Chinese, look for the section titled '权利与义务' (Rights and Obligations). It is a standard legal clause.

Expressing Necessity

Use '有义务' (have an obligation) as a stronger, more formal alternative to '应该' (should) when you want to emphasize moral weight.

News Broadcasts

Listen to Chinese news. You will frequently hear '义务' used when discussing international treaties, citizen duties, or government responsibilities.

Spotting the Adjective

When reading, if you see '义务' directly followed by a noun (like 义务消防员 - volunteer firefighter), recognize immediately that it means 'unpaid/volunteer'.

Don't confuse with 责任

If you make a mistake and need to take the blame, you take the '责任' (responsibility), not the '义务'. Keep these concepts separate.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '义' (Yi) as 'Your' and '务' (Wu) as 'Work'. Your Work = Your Duty = 义务.

Word Origin

The concept combines '义' (righteousness, what is morally right) and '务' (affairs, tasks). Historically, it referred to tasks one must do out of a sense of righteousness. In modern times, it was adopted to translate Western legal concepts of 'obligation' and 'duty'.

Cultural Context

Modern legal interpretations of '义务' are influenced by Western jurisprudence adopted during China's modernization.

The use of '义务' to mean 'voluntary/unpaid' (as in 义务劳动) was popularized during the socialist era to encourage collective effort.

The root '义' is one of the Five Constant Virtues of Confucianism, emphasizing moral correctness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你认为年轻人对社会最大的义务是什么？ (What do you think is the greatest obligation young people have to society?)"

"在你的国家，公民有哪些法定义务？ (In your country, what are the legal obligations of citizens?)"

"权利和义务，哪个更重要？ (Rights or obligations, which is more important?)"

"你参加过义务劳动吗？ (Have you ever participated in volunteer labor?)"

"你觉得父母对成年子女还有抚养义务吗？ (Do you think parents still have an obligation to support adult children?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you felt a strong moral obligation to do something.

Write about the balance between your personal rights and your obligations to your family.

Discuss the concept of 'compulsory education' (义务教育) and its impact on society.

How does the concept of duty differ in your culture compared to Chinese culture?

Write a short essay on why fulfilling obligations is necessary for a functioning society.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

义务 usually refers to a mandatory duty dictated by law, morality, or a specific role (like a citizen's duty). 责任 is broader; it can mean a general sense of responsibility, a specific job duty, or the liability/blame when something goes wrong. You fulfill an 义务, but you take the 责任 for a mistake.

Yes, when used as an adjective before a noun, it often means voluntary or unpaid. For example, 义务劳动 means voluntary labor, and 义务献血 means voluntary blood donation. In these cases, it implies doing a duty without expecting payment.

In this specific context, 义务 retains its meaning of 'mandatory obligation'. It signifies that the state has an obligation to provide the education, and citizens have an obligation to receive it. It also implies that the education is free of tuition charges.

The most common verbs are 尽 (jìn) meaning 'to fulfill' (used in general or moral contexts) and 履行 (lǚ xíng) meaning 'to carry out' (used in formal or legal contexts). Avoid using the generic verb 做 (zuò) with 义务.

It can be both. In legal and civic contexts, it is highly formal. However, it is also used in everyday conversation when discussing family duties or basic moral responsibilities, making it a versatile B1 level word.

You use the pattern '我有义务 + verb phrase'. For example, '我有义务告诉你真相' (I have an obligation to tell you the truth). This is a very common and natural sentence structure.

The most direct conceptual opposite is 权利 (quán lì), which means 'rights'. In Chinese civic discourse, rights and obligations are constantly discussed together as a balanced pair.

Yes, it frequently acts as an attributive modifier placed directly before a noun, without the particle '的'. Examples include 义务教育 (compulsory education) and 义务工作 (volunteer work).

尽义务 (jìn yì wù) means to fulfill one's duty or obligation. It implies doing what is morally or socially expected of you to the best of your ability.

Yes, the two main categories often discussed are 法定义务 (legal obligations, mandated by law) and 道德义务 (moral obligations, dictated by ethics and social norms).