勤める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Spelling: 勤める. Reading: つとめる. Core meaning: to work for; to be employed at.
• Basic usage: Representative examples: 姉は駅前の図書館に勤めている / 父が以前勤めた工場を見学した.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Three homophonous verbs
  • Working for an employer is 勤める, serving in a role is 務める, and striving toward a goal is 努める. All are read つとめる, so check the spelling and complement.