tin1 zik1天職天职

Jyutpingtin1 zik1

Yaletīn jīk

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Inherent responsibility, calling, or duty that is natural or self-assigned.

neutralworkpeople

How it's used

Often used to describe a sense of duty that feels almost predestined or essential to one's identity. While it translates to inherent responsibility, it carries a weightier, more noble connotation than simply doing one's job. It is frequently employed in contexts involving professions like medicine, teaching, or social work where dedication is expected to go beyond mere contractual obligations.

Examples

ziu3照gu3顧beng6病jan4人hai6係wu6護si6士ge3嘅tin1天zik1職。

Taking care of patients is the inherent responsibility of nurses.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得gaau3教syu1書hai6係mai6咪nei5你ge3嘅tin1天zik1職aa4呀？

Do you feel that teaching is your calling?

Common phrases

si6視wai4為tin1天zik1職

to regard as one's calling

zeon6盡tin1天zik1職

to fulfill one's inherent duty

Common mistake

Avoid using this word for mundane tasks or minor chores. It is reserved for significant life roles or moral duties, so describing something like washing dishes as a天職 would sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.