职责 (zhí zé) is a compound noun meaning 'responsibility' or 'duty'—the specific tasks, obligations, or functions expected of someone in a particular role, especially at work or in formal settings. The first character 职 (zhí) means 'occupation', 'position', or 'post', while 责 (zé) means 'obligation', 'blame', or 'duty'; together, they emphasize the duties tied to one’s official role rather than general moral responsibility.

This word is commonly used in professional, organizational, or administrative contexts—for example, in job descriptions, workplace policies, or discussions about accountability. It carries a formal and slightly serious tone, and is rarely used in casual conversation about personal or family matters. Unlike broader terms like 责任 (zérèn), which can refer to moral or social responsibility, 职责 specifically denotes role-based, often institutional, duties.