任务 (rènwù)

任务 refers to a task, assignment, or mission given to someone to accomplish, used in both everyday and professional contexts.

Meanings

[noun] task, mission, or assigned duty that must be completed

Example Sentences

我们今天的任务是完成这份报告。 Wǒmen jīntiān de rènwù shì wánchéng zhè fèn bàogào. Our task today is to complete this report.

他顺利完成了这次任务。 Tā shùnlì wánchéng le zhè cì rènwù. He successfully completed this mission.

这项任务需要团队合作才能完成。 Zhè xiàng rènwù xūyào tuánduì hézuò cái néng wánchéng. This task requires teamwork to complete.

老师给学生布置了一项特别的任务。 Lǎoshī gěi xuéshēng bùzhì le yī xiàng tèbié de rènwù. The teacher assigned a special task to the students.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
完成任务	complete a task
布置任务	assign a task
执行任务	carry out a mission
重要任务	important mission

Usage Notes

任务 is used widely in academic, professional, and military contexts. 完成任务 (to complete the task) is one of the most common collocations. Unlike 工作 (work/job), 任务 implies a specific, defined assignment with a goal to be achieved. It can refer to a simple homework assignment or a complex organizational mission.

Memory Hook

任 means "to appoint or take responsibility" and 务 means "affair or duty," so a 任务 is an affair you have been appointed to handle.