Translation guide
The concept of being responsible for one's actions and answerable to others. Japanese expresses this through nouns, verbs, and set phrases, often tied to social roles and obligations.
The obligation to explain or take responsibility for results, especially in professional or public contexts.
The most direct translation, literally 'duty to explain'. Common in business, politics, and formal settings.
政治家には説明責任がある。
Politicians have accountability.
企業は株主に対して説明責任を果たすべきだ。
Companies should fulfill their accountability to shareholders.
General 'responsibility'. Broader than accountability, but often used in similar contexts. Can imply blame or duty.
彼はその失敗の責任を取った。
He took accountability for the failure.
責任の所在を明らかにする必要がある。
We need to clarify where accountability lies.
To bear responsibility; to be accountable. A common verb phrase.
経営者は結果に責任を負う。
Managers are accountable for results.
To take responsibility (often by resigning or making amends). Implies accepting consequences.
社長は不祥事の責任を取って辞任した。
The president resigned to take accountability for the scandal.
Taking ownership of one's own actions or self-discipline, often in self-help or everyday contexts.
Self-responsibility. Often used to mean 'you are accountable for your own choices'.
それは自己責任だ。
That's your own accountability.
投資は自己責任でお願いします。
Please invest at your own accountability.
To hold oneself accountable; to take responsibility for oneself.
自分の行動に責任を持ちなさい。
Be accountable for your own actions.
Situations where no one takes responsibility or blame is avoided.
Irresponsibility; lack of accountability. Can describe a person or action.
彼の無責任な態度には呆れる。
I'm appalled by his lack of accountability.
無責任な発言は控えてください。
Please refrain from making unaccountable remarks.
Evasion of responsibility; shirking accountability.
彼はいつも責任逃ればかりだ。
He always avoids accountability.
Demanding that someone explain or take responsibility.
To hold someone accountable; to question someone's responsibility.
国民は政府の責任を問う権利がある。
Citizens have the right to hold the government accountable.
To pursue accountability; to investigate and demand responsibility.
メディアは政治家の責任を追及した。
The media held the politician accountable.
責任 (sekinin) is a broad term for responsibility, often implying blame or duty. 説明責任 (setsumei sekinin) specifically means the obligation to explain one's actions, closer to 'accountability' in governance or business. Use 説明責任 when emphasizing transparency and answerability.
責任がある vs 説明責任がある
to be responsible vs to be accountable
Avoid literal translations like アカウンタビリティ (accountability in katakana), which is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to the Japanese terms above.