Translation guide
How to refer to the person responsible for something in Japanese, depending on context and formality.
Referring to the person responsible for a task, section, or event in a neutral or formal setting.
The most common and versatile term for 'person in charge'. Used in business, customer service, and everyday contexts.
担当者をお呼びします。
I'll call the person in charge.
この件の担当者は誰ですか。
Who is the person in charge of this matter?
Emphasizes the person with responsibility or accountability, often used for a manager or supervisor.
責任者を出してください。
Please bring out the person in charge (manager).
Used in official titles or signs, e.g., '受付係' (receptionist). Often part of a compound.
案内係に聞いてください。
Please ask the person in charge of guidance.
Specifying the person handling a particular job or project.
Attach the area of responsibility before の担当者. Very common and natural.
人事の担当者に連絡してください。
Please contact the person in charge of HR.
このプロジェクトの担当者は田中さんです。
The person in charge of this project is Mr. Tanaka.
Used in job titles or signs, e.g., 清掃係 (cleaning person). Less common in speech.
会場の設営係は誰ですか。
Who is in charge of setting up the venue?
Politely requesting to speak to the person responsible, e.g., in a store or on the phone.
Honorific way to address the person in charge, often used in business emails or when asking for them.
ご担当者様はいらっしゃいますか。
Is the person in charge available?
Instead of directly saying 'person in charge', you can politely request the action. E.g., 'すみません、この件についてお聞きしたいのですが。'
すみません、返品したいのですが、どなたに言えばいいですか。
Excuse me, I'd like to return this. Who should I talk to?
Talking casually about who is responsible for something among friends or colleagues.
Casual way to say 'the person in charge'. Drops the formal 者.
担当の人に聞いてみるよ。
I'll ask the person in charge.
Shortened form often used in casual conversation. E.g., イベントの担当 (the person in charge of the event).
明日の準備、誰が担当？
Who's in charge of tomorrow's prep?
Direct translations like '担当の人' are fine, but '責任がある人' sounds unnatural. Stick to 担当者 or 責任者 depending on nuance.
担当者 is the person handling the task; 責任者 is the person with ultimate responsibility (often a manager). Use 担当者 for day-to-day contacts, 責任者 when escalating issues.