Translation guide
The concept of responsibility in Japanese is expressed through words that emphasize duty, accountability, and social obligation. The most common term is 責任 (sekinin), but depending on context, other words like 義務 (gimu) or phrases like 責任を取る (sekinin o toru) are used. Understanding the nuances of these expressions is key to sounding natural.
私の責任です。
It's my responsibility.
責任を取ってください。
Take responsibility.
Expressing that someone has a duty or obligation to perform a task or role.
The most common and versatile word for responsibility. It can refer to both the duty itself and the accountability for outcomes.
それは私の責任です。
That is my responsibility.
彼には家族を養う責任がある。
He has a responsibility to support his family.
Refers to a legal or moral obligation, often more formal and binding than 責任. Used for duties imposed by law, contract, or ethics.
納税は国民の義務です。
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
Literally 'to have responsibility'. A natural way to state that someone is responsible for something.
このプロジェクトの成功は、あなたに責任がある。
You are responsible for the success of this project.
Expressing that someone is accountable for the results of an action, often with a nuance of taking blame if things go wrong.
To take responsibility, often implying accepting blame or resigning from a position. Very common in business and politics.
社長は不祥事の責任を取って辞任した。
The president took responsibility for the scandal and resigned.
To bear responsibility. Similar to 責任を取る but slightly more formal and can be used in legal or official contexts.
事故の責任を負うのは運転手です。
The driver bears responsibility for the accident.
Evasion of responsibility. Used to describe someone shirking their duties or avoiding blame.
彼の責任逃れの態度には呆れる。
I'm disgusted by his attitude of evading responsibility.
Describing a person's character trait of being responsible or diligent.
To have a strong sense of responsibility. Describes someone who is reliable and takes their duties seriously.
彼女は責任感が強いので、どんな仕事も最後までやり遂げる。
She has a strong sense of responsibility, so she sees any task through to the end.
Sense of responsibility. Often used in compound phrases like 責任感がある (to have a sense of responsibility).
彼は責任感に欠ける。
He lacks a sense of responsibility.
Indicating that someone is the person responsible for a task, project, or area.
Refers to being in charge of a specific duty or section. Commonly used in work settings to denote the person handling a matter.
この件の担当者は誰ですか。
Who is the person in charge of this matter?
私は営業を担当しています。
I am in charge of sales.
The person responsible or person in charge. Often used for a designated responsible individual, especially in formal contexts.
Expressing a broader ethical duty to society or others.
Social responsibility. Often used in contexts like corporate social responsibility (CSR).
企業には社会的責任がある。
Companies have a social responsibility.
責任 (sekinin) is a broader term covering duty, accountability, and blame. 義務 (gimu) specifically refers to a compulsory obligation, often legal or moral. Use 責任 for everyday responsibility and 義務 for formal duties like paying taxes or jury duty.
English phrases like 'take responsibility' often translate to 責任を取る, but be careful: 責任を取る can imply resignation or accepting blame in Japanese culture. In lighter contexts, consider using 担当する (tantō suru) for 'be in charge of'.
大いなる力には大いなる責任が伴う。
With great power comes great responsibility.
A well-known proverb translated into Japanese.
彼女は仕事で多くの責任を負っている。
She has a lot of responsibilities at work.
責任者を呼んでください。
Please call the person in charge.
Moral responsibility. Emphasizes ethical obligations rather than legal ones.
彼は道義的責任を感じて寄付をした。
He felt a moral responsibility and made a donation.