Translation guide
How to express taking responsibility in Japanese, from formal accountability to casual admissions of fault.
The speaker acknowledges they are responsible for something, often a mistake or failure.
The most direct and common way to say 'take responsibility'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
I will take responsibility for this issue.
He took responsibility for the failure and resigned.
Similar to 責任を取る, but slightly more formal and often used in written or official contexts. Implies bearing the burden of responsibility.
The company should take responsibility for the accident.
Means 'to have responsibility' or 'to be in charge'. Often used when someone is entrusted with a task or role.
Tanaka-san is the one who takes responsibility for this project.
Used when someone in a position of authority formally assumes accountability, often with consequences like resignation.
A formal term meaning 'to take responsibility' (and resign). Commonly used in news about politicians or executives.
The minister took responsibility and resigned over the scandal.
Literally 'to draw a line', meaning to take responsibility by making a clear distinction, often through resignation or some decisive action.
He said he would take responsibility and make things right.
Informal ways to say 'it's my fault' or 'I'll take the blame' in everyday conversation.
Literally 'it's my fault'. A very common, casual way to take personal blame.
Sorry, it's all my fault.
Means 'I am the one at fault'. Slightly more direct than 私のせいだ.
It's my fault for being late.
A more formal way to say 'the responsibility lies with me', but can be used in serious casual conversations.
The responsibility for this mistake lies with me.
Volunteering or being assigned to handle something, not necessarily involving blame.
責任を取る is the most common and versatile. 責任を負う is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 責任を持つ emphasizes having ongoing responsibility for something, like a project or a child.
The president took responsibility (and likely resigned).
The company bears responsibility for the damages.
Parents are responsible for their children's safety.
Do not use 取る (toru) alone to mean 'take responsibility'. The phrase is 責任を取る (sekinin o toru). Using 取る by itself will not convey the meaning.
I'll take on that role.