Translation guide
The English word "liability" has two main meanings: a legal or financial obligation, and a person or thing that causes trouble or disadvantage. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
To express a debt, responsibility, or obligation, especially in legal or business contexts.
The standard term for financial liabilities or debts, used in accounting and legal contexts.
To describe someone or something that is a disadvantage or burden.
The English word 'liability' is often used figuratively for a troublesome person. In Japanese, avoid literal translations like 責任者 (responsible person) or 負債者 (debtor) in this context; use idiomatic expressions like お荷物 or 足手まとい instead.
会社の負債は増えている。
The company's liabilities are increasing.
Refers to an obligation or debt, often used in legal or contractual contexts.
He must repay his liabilities.
Means responsibility or liability in a broader sense, including legal liability.
The liability for the accident lies with the driver.
He's a liability to the team.
Means a hindrance or encumbrance, often used for a person who slows others down.
He'll just be a liability.
A troublesome person; a burden. Slightly stronger than お荷物.
He's a liability to his family.
Means burden or load, can be used for a person or thing that is a liability, but more commonly for financial or physical burdens.
The project became a liability for the company.