Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 使命 | shimei | [ɕime̞ː] (narrow) |
| 任務 | ninmu | [ɲ̟ĩmːɯ̟] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the translation for 'mission' depends on whether you are referring to a concrete assignment or a higher purpose. 任務 is used for specific tasks or duties, while 使命 refers to a calling or a sense of purpose. Additionally, the loanword ミッション is used in certain contexts like video games or business.
Which one should you use?
任務 refers to a specific, concrete assignment or duty and is often used in professional, military or police contexts. In contrast, 使命 is more abstract and philosophical, referring to a higher purpose, a calling or a long-term sense of duty. The loanword ミッション is used for specific contexts such as video game objectives or business 'missions'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
shimei
When do people say it?
The katakana word ミッション is also used to refer to the city of Mission in British Columbia.
Did you know?
- In formal diplomatic language, a 'mission' (such as a diplomatic mission) is referred to as 使節団 (shisetsudan), which uses different characters than 'mission' as a task.
- While 任務 (ninmu) sounds very official, using it to describe a personal favor for a friend would sound strangely dramatic and slightly comedic in Japanese.
- The kanji 使 in 使命 means 'to use' or 'messenger', suggesting that a person on a mission is viewed as a tool or representative of a higher power.
Examples in context
- 任務完了しました。Mission accomplished.This sentence is useful for saying 'Mission accomplished' using 任務.Tatoeba #10899823 by small_snow, translation #4706619 by shekitten
- 彼は任務を完了した。He accomplished his mission.This sentence shows how to say 'He accomplished his mission' using 任務.Tatoeba #1180363 by bunbuku, translation #302296 by CK
- 彼らは使命を果たした。They accomplished their mission.This sentence demonstrates the use of 'accomplished their mission' with 使命.Tatoeba #97082 by bunbuku, translation #306622 by CK
- 私たちの使命は世界の平和を守ることです。Our mission is to protect world peace.
- 私たちの任務は新しい製品開発です。Our mission is the development of new products.
- 私のミッションは一生を通じて学び続けることです。My mission is to keep learning throughout my life.
- 私の目標は自分の夢を実現することです。My mission is to fulfill my dreams.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing their goals for a new project.
- 結衣 Yui私たちの使命は何だと思いますか？Watashitachi no shimei wa nan da to omoimasu ka?What do you think our mission is?
- 健太 Kenta最高のサービスを提供することですね。Saikou no saabisu o teikyou suru koto desu ne.It's to provide the best service, right?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、それが私たちの使命です。Ee, sore ga watashitachi no shimei desu.Yes, that is our mission.
- 健太 Kenta全力で頑張りましょう、結衣さん。Zenryoku de ganbarimashou, Yui-san.Let's give it our all, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mission” translations and entries 使命, 任務, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
