• 役割やくわり — role, assignment
• 主役しゅやく — leading role
• 兵役へいえき — military service
• 現役げんえき — active duty
• 役人やくにん — government official

The kanji 役 originally signified “military service” or “duty.” It combines the radical 彳 (step) with elements suggesting action or obligation. Today, it's widely used to express roles or positions in society, workplaces, and stories.

彼かれは 映画えいがで主役しゅやくを演えんじた。
He played the leading role in the movie.

それぞれが 重要じゅうような 役割やくわりを果はたしている。
Each person plays an important role.

🎧 Listen to ヤク・エキ