Does duty always mean obligatory duty?

[dervast]

Hello there. In Greek the work duty refers to something that is obligatory.
I am eager to learn if the English word duty can refer to something that is not obligatory.

For example what should i write for obligatory army duty (u are obliged to join the army for one year when u are 18 years old)

I serve my obligatory army duty in the Greek Army

I serve my army duty in the Greek Army. (does this phrase refer to something obligatory?)

[sarat_106]

Originally Posted by dervast

Hello there. In Greek the work duty refers to something that is obligatory.
I am eager to learn if the English word duty can refer to something that is not obligatory.

For example what should i write for obligatory army duty (u are obliged to join the army for one year when u are 18 years old)

I serve my obligatory army service (duty) in the Greek Army (Replace duty by service)

I serve my army duty in the Greek Army. (does this phrase refer to something obligatory?) Yes

Duty: noun meaning : something you must do or you have to do because it is morally or legally right [= obligation]


So use of word “obligatory” is not necessary with "duty"..

• Do your duty
• It is somebody's duty to clean the floor.

Apart from the meaning related to work/service the word “duty” has also other uses such as:
customs duty (=tax paid on goods coming into the country)
stamp duty, double duty (a thing capable of serving two purposes) , heavy-duty

Obligatory: adjective meaning: something required as a matter of obligation; mandatory or compulsory.

• For me toreply to your post is desirable but not obligatory.
• Mathematics is an obligatory subject in the course

[konungursvia]

Duty implies an obligation, but they are often more honoured in the breach.