义务 (yìwù)

In Chinese, "义务" is a noun that means "obligation" or "duty". It refers to a duty or responsibility imposed on someone by law, ethics, or contract. Below are detailed usages of "义务".

1. Referring to Obligation

"义务" is used to refer to a specific obligation or duty that someone is required to fulfill by law, morality, or contract. It can encompass various types of duties, such as citizens' obligations, employee duties, and so on. For example:

• 每个公民都有履行义务的责任。 (Měi gè gōngmín dōu yǒu lǚxíng yìwù de zérèn.) — Every citizen has a responsibility to fulfill their obligations. (lit. Every citizen has a responsibility to fulfill their obligations.)
• 雇员有义务保护公司的机密信息。 (Gùyuán yǒu yìwù bǎohù gōngsī de jīmì xìnxī.) — Employees are obligated to protect the company's confidential information. (lit. Employees are obligated to protect the company's confidential information.)

2. Expressing Responsibility or Subordination

"义务" can also be used to express responsibility or subordination to someone or something. It indicates that someone is obliged to do something or adhere to certain rules. For example:

• 作为父母，我们有义务为孩子提供良好的教育。 (Zuòwéi fùmǔ, wǒmen yǒu yìwù wèi háizi tígōng liánghǎo de jiàoyù.) — As parents, we have an obligation to provide our children with a good education. (lit. As parents, we have an obligation to provide our children with a good education.)
• 公司领导有义务向股东报告财务情况。 (Gōngsī lǐngdǎo yǒu yìwù xiàng gǔdōng bàogào cáiwù qíngkuàng.) — Company leadership is obligated to report financial situations to shareholders. (lit. Company leadership is obligated to report financial situations to shareholders.)