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.
この問題については私が責任を取ります。
I will take responsibility for this issue.
彼は失敗の責任を取って辞任した。
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.
会社は事故の責任を負うべきだ。
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.
このプロジェクトの責任を持つのは田中さんです。
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.
大臣は不祥事の責任を取って引責辞任した。
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.
彼は責任を取ってけじめをつけると言った。
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.
ごめん、全部私のせいだ。
Sorry, it's all my fault.
Means 'I am the one at fault'. Slightly more direct than 私のせいだ.
遅刻したのは私が悪いです。
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.
このミスの責任は私にあります。
The responsibility for this mistake lies with me.
Volunteering or being assigned to handle something, not necessarily involving blame.
Means 'to be in charge of' or 'to handle'. Used when someone takes on a specific task or role.
私がその仕事を担当します。
I'll take responsibility for that task.
Means 'to undertake' or 'to take on'. Implies willingly accepting a responsibility or request.
その役割を引き受けます。
I'll take on that role.
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.
社長が責任を取った。
The president took responsibility (and likely resigned).
会社が損害の責任を負う。
The company bears responsibility for the damages.
親は子供の安全に責任を持つ。
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.