How to say "obligation" in Japanese

• 義務ぎむJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe default word for an obligation as a duty one must perform, whether legal, moral or social; think 'duty' first when you see obligation.
  このような義務ぎむがあるなんて知しらなかった。↗

  I never knew about such a duty.
• 恩おんJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'obligation' only in the special sense of a debt of gratitude for a kindness received; the word itself means a favour, so for ordinary obligations it is not the word you want.
  お前まえは恩おんを仇あだで返かえしたな。↗

  You bit the hand that fed you.
• 責務せきむJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounAlso a duty or obligation, but with the emphasis on the responsibility a person bears to discharge it; suits weighty duties attached to one's role or position.
  私はあなたが新あたらしい責務せきむをうまくこなせるよう願ねがっています。↗

  I wish you good luck with your new responsibilities.
• 任にんCommon
  nounCovers 'obligation' as a charge entrusted to someone; as a standalone noun it appears chiefly in set expressions about assuming or fulfilling such a charge, so it is seldom the word for a plain obligation.
• 恩義おんぎCommon
  nounCovers 'obligation' in the sense of indebtedness for a favour received; the word is really about the feeling of gratitude one owes, so it does not fit duties or requirements.
  あなたには病気びょうきの時とき助たすけてもらった恩義おんぎがある。↗

  I feel indebted to you for your help during my illness.

Use 義務 for a duty one is required to perform, 責務 for such a duty framed as a responsibility, 任 for a charge entrusted to someone, and 恩 or 恩義 only for obligations owed as debts of gratitude.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 義務ぎむduty
• 恩おんfavour
• 責務せきむduty
• 任にんobligation
• 恩義おんぎobligation
• 義務付けぎむづけobligation
• オブリゲーションobligation
• 責せきresponsibility
• 厚恩こうおんgreat favor
• 芳恩ほうおんfavour
• 使命しめいtask
• 厄介やっかいcare
• 貸しかしfavor