Quick answer
役 is the kanji for "Duty". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is やく (yaku). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Duty
Also : War · Role · Office · Service
Learn 役 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 役 represents 'DUTY'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of duty.
On-reading: やく — remember this sound by associating it with duty.
Example Sentences
この仕事は役に立ちます。
このしごとはやくにたちます。
This work is useful.
主役を演じました。
しゅやくをえんじました。
I played the main role.
Vocabulary using 役
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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