Meaning and Usage
The verb 務める (つとめる) primarily means "to serve" or "to act in a role." It is often used when someone takes on a responsibility, a job, or a position, especially in formal or official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 務める used for jobs, roles, or duties within organizations, such as companies, government offices, or social groups. For example, serving as a representative, working at a particular post, or fulfilling a role in a team.
Collocations and Patterns
- 役割を務める: to serve a role or function
- 代表を務める: to serve as a representative
- 仕事を務める: to perform a job or duty
These collocations emphasize the formal or official nature of the role or task.
Register and Nuance
務める is more formal and often used in written or polite speech. It implies a sense of responsibility and duty rather than casual or temporary actions.
Common Learner Mistake
Do not confuse 務める with 働く (はたらく), which means "to work" in a general sense. 務める focuses on the role or duty aspect, while 働く emphasizes the act of working or laboring.