Ichidan verb, transitive verb

  1. to work (for), to be employed (at), to serve (in). Usu. 勤める.
  2. to serve (as), to act (as), to fill (the position of), to play the role (of). Usu. 務める.
  3. to conduct a religious service. Usu. 勤める.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
勤める つとめる
 
 
務める つとめる

Contained Kanji Breakdown

diligence, become employed, serve
キン つと.める いそ.しむ (6th, N3)
the violet
すみれ キン (Kentei 1, N1)
grass, grass radical (no. 140)
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)
life (生) variant
power, strength, strong
リョク ちから リキ (1st, N4)