Translation guide
This English idiom means that a responsibility, burden, or task becomes one's duty to bear. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions convey the idea of taking on or bearing responsibility.
Expressing that a responsibility, duty, or burden has come to rest on a particular person.
Literally 'to weigh on one's shoulders', this is the closest natural Japanese equivalent to the English idiom. It conveys that a heavy responsibility or burden is placed on someone.
会社の将来が彼の肩にのしかかっている。
The future of the company falls on his shoulders.
Means 'to bear responsibility'. A straightforward way to say that someone takes on a responsibility.
Expressing that someone is held responsible for a mistake or failure.
Means 'to take responsibility', often used when someone accepts blame or the consequences of a failure.
失敗の責任はすべて彼が取った。
All the blame for the failure fell on his shoulders.
The English idiom 'fall on one's shoulders' should not be translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like '肩に落ちる' are not used and would be confusing. Use the expressions provided to convey the intended meaning naturally.
The responsibility for the project falls on her shoulders.
Literally 'to carry a heavy load on one's back', this metaphorically means to bear a heavy burden or responsibility.
彼は家族を養う重荷を背負っている。
The burden of supporting his family falls on his shoulders.
Means 'to be entrusted with'. Implies that a task or responsibility is given to someone, often with trust.
大事な仕事を任された。
An important task fell on my shoulders.
Literally 'to bear the blame'. A direct way to say that someone is blamed or held accountable.
彼女はチームの敗北の責めを負った。
The blame for the team's defeat fell on her shoulders.