职责

• Pinyin: zhí zé
• Hanzi breakdown: 职 = 耳 (ear) + 只 (only, phonetic); 责 = 贝 (shell/money) + 朿 (thorn)

Meaning

Duty; responsibility; the obligations associated with a job or position.

Refers to the responsibilities and duties that come with a particular role or position. Often used in professional, official, or organizational contexts. Emphasizes accountability and proper performance of duties.

Examples

1. 每个员工都应该明确自己的职责，认真完成本职工作。 Every employee should clearly understand their duties and conscientiously complete their work.
2. 保护公民安全是警察最基本的职责。 Protecting citizens' safety is the most fundamental duty of the police.
3. 他因未能履行职责而被解除了职务。 He was removed from his position for failing to fulfill his duties.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, government, organizations

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这是我的职责所在。(This is part of my duties.)
• 请问您的具体职责是什么？(May I ask what your specific responsibilities are?)

Don't Say

• 做家务是我的职责。(Too formal for home context — use 责任 or 义务 for family duties)

Origin & History

Compound of 职 (position, duty) and 责 (responsibility). Together they refer to the responsibilities of one's position.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal