Translation and Meaning of: 役目 - yakume

"役目" (yakume) is a Japanese word that breaks down into two kanji: "役" and "目". The kanji "役" (yaku) means "role" or "function," while "目" (me) means "eye" or "point." Together, they form the idea of "function," "duty," or "responsibility." This combination suggests something that must be observed or fulfilled, a role to play in a social or professional context.

The origin of the word 「役目」 comes from the Japanese historical context, where each person in a group, especially within hierarchical structures, had a defined role. These roles were essential for the harmonious and efficient functioning of communities and organizations. The notion of "yakume" reflects the importance of each individual recognizing and fulfilling their responsibilities, contributing to the collective well-being.

In everyday life, 「役目」 is used to describe the responsibilities or tasks that someone must fulfill. It can refer to obligations at work, duties of a student, or even social expectations at family events. It is a word that resonates with the Japanese work ethic, where fulfilling one's duty is highly valued. This concept also applies in less formal settings, such as roles within a family or circles of friends, where each member has a part to play.

Variations of the word like 「役職」 (yakushoku), which means "position" or "role," and 「役割」 (yakuwari), which means "part" or "role," further enrich the vocabulary related to functions and responsibilities. These variations show how the idea of taking on and fulfilling a defined role is intrinsic to Japanese culture, representing both a personal and social commitment.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

役割 (Yakuwari) - Function or role played in a situation.
任務 (Ninmu) - Task or mission to be accomplished.
使命 (Shimei) - Mission or calling, often of great importance.
責務 (Sekimu) - Duty or responsibility to be exercised.
任せ (Makase) - Delegate or entrust a task to someone.
仕事 (Shigoto) - General work or occupation.
任命 (Ninmei) - Appointment or designation for a specific position or function.
使役 (Shieki) - Use or command, often related to making someone complete a task.
使命感 (Shimeikan) - A sense of mission, the feeling of having a meaningful purpose.
使命遂行 (Shimei Suikou) - Completion or achievement of a mission.
使命感じる (Shimei Kanji ru) - Feel the mission, understand the importance of the calling.
使命感持つ (Shimeikan Motsu) - To have a sense of mission or purpose.
使命感覚える (Shimeikan Oboeru) - Feel and understand the sense of mission.
使命感ある (Shimeikan Aru) - Have a sense of mission present.
使命感強い (Shimeikan Tsuyoi) - Strongly feeling the mission, an intense sense of purpose.
使命感抱く (Shimeikan Daku) - Embrace or welcome the feeling of mission.
使命感持ち (Shimeikan Mochi) - Be someone who has a strong sense of mission.
使命感ある人 (Shimeikan Aru Hito) - A person who has a sense of mission.
使命感強い人 (Shimeikan Tsuyoi Hito) - A person who has a strong sense of mission.
使命感抱く人 (Shimeikan Daku Hito) - Person who embraces the sense of mission.
使命感ある仕事 (Shimeikan Aru Shigoto) - Work that has a sense of mission.
使命感強い仕事 (Shimeikan Tsuyoi Shigoto) - Work that has a strong sense of mission.
使命感抱く仕事 (Shimeikan Daku Shigoto) - Work that embraces the feeling of purpose.