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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'obligation' with 义务 (yìwù)

    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    有 + 义务 + Verb

    Explanation

    义务 (yìwù) is a noun meaning "obligation," "duty," or "responsibility." It refers to moral or legal responsibilities that one is expected to fulfill. Common collocations include 道德义务 (moral obligation), 法律义务 (legal obligation), and 义务教育 (compulsory education).

    Examples

    • 纳税是每个公民的义务。

      nàshuì shì měi gè gōngmín de yìwù.

      Paying taxes is every citizen's obligation.

    • 中国实行九年义务教育。

      Zhōngguó shíxíng jiǔ nián yìwù jiàoyù.

      China implements nine years of compulsory education.

    • 父母有抚养子女的义务。

      fùmǔ yǒu fǔyǎng zǐnǚ de yìwù.

      Parents have the obligation to raise their children.

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    Expressing 'obligation' with 义务 (yìwù) | Chinese Grammar