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.
It's my responsibility.
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.
That is my responsibility.
Refers to a legal or moral obligation, often more formal and binding than 責任. Used for duties imposed by law, contract, or ethics.
Literally 'to have responsibility'. A natural way to state that someone is responsible for something.
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.
Describing a person's character trait of being responsible or diligent.
Indicating that someone is the person responsible for a task, project, or area.
Expressing a broader ethical duty to society or others.
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'.
With great power comes great responsibility.
A well-known proverb translated into Japanese.
He has a responsibility to support his family.
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
You are responsible for the success of this project.
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.
The driver bears responsibility for the accident.
Evasion of responsibility. Used to describe someone shirking their duties or avoiding blame.
I'm disgusted by his attitude of evading responsibility.
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).
He lacks a sense of responsibility.
Refers to being in charge of a specific duty or section. Commonly used in work settings to denote the person handling a matter.
Who is the person in charge of this matter?
I am in charge of sales.
The person responsible or person in charge. Often used for a designated responsible individual, especially in formal contexts.
Please call the person in charge.
Social responsibility. Often used in contexts like corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Companies have a social responsibility.
Moral responsibility. Emphasizes ethical obligations rather than legal ones.
He felt a moral responsibility and made a donation.
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.