Meaning

Primary

Important Task

Alternatives

Great Duty, Important Role

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A big duty is a great duty. It can also be an important task. Think about some kind of big duty you have. Then, think about what an important task it is too. Feel proud of your important task.

Reading

たいやく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

You've been assigned the important task of taking care of the local tie yaks (たいやく). Where you're from, tie-wearing yaks are incredibly important, so don't take this great duty lightly!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 大役をはたす

    to accomplish an important task

    大役をいただく

    to be given an important task

    大役をこなす

    to carry out an important task

Context Sentences

この学校の先生になることは、大役ですよ。

Being a teacher at this school is a great duty.

ドラマの大役になったおかげで、全国で人気になりました。

Thanks to getting a big role in the drama series, I became popular nationwide.

中東局でリーダーになるなんて、大役ですよ!

Being a leader at the Middle East bureau is an important role!

Kanji Composition