How to say "mandatory" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 義務的ぎむてきna-adjectiveCovers the strict sense of mandatory: compulsory or obligatory. It describes something a rule, regulation, or law requires, leaving no choice; typical contexts include contracts, regulations, and official obligations.
- na-adjective, nounA colloquial loanword covering the loose sense of mandatory as 'a must' or 'must-have': something indispensable, said in casual conversation or recommendations. For legal or rule-based obligations it is seldom the word you want.
Use 義務的 for the strict sense of mandatory — compulsory or obligatory under rules, regulations, or law; 「マスト」 is a colloquial loanword meaning 'a must' or 'must-have', suited to casual speech rather than formal obligations.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
