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.
Politicians have accountability.
Companies should fulfill their accountability to shareholders.
General 'responsibility'. Broader than accountability, but often used in similar contexts. Can imply blame or duty.
He took accountability for the failure.
We need to clarify where accountability lies.
To bear responsibility; to be accountable. A common verb phrase.
Managers are accountable for results.
To take responsibility (often by resigning or making amends). Implies accepting consequences.
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.
Situations where no one takes responsibility or blame is avoided.
Demanding that someone explain or take responsibility.
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.
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.
Please invest at your own accountability.
Be accountable for your own actions.
Please refrain from making unaccountable remarks.
The media held the politician accountable.