Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'taking responsibility' depends on the context: whether it's about accepting blame, overseeing a task, or formally resigning. The most common expressions involve 責任 (sekinin) combined with verbs like 取る (toru), 負う (ou), or 持つ (motsu).
To acknowledge that you are responsible for a mistake, failure, or problem, often in a formal or serious context.
The most common and direct way to say 'take responsibility.' It implies accepting blame and often involves consequences like resigning or making amends.
He took responsibility for the failure.
The president took responsibility for the scandal and resigned.
Literally 'to bear responsibility.' Slightly more formal and often used in written or official contexts. It emphasizes the weight of the responsibility.
The government should take responsibility for this accident.
Means 'to have responsibility' or 'to be in charge.' It focuses on the ongoing state of being responsible rather than the act of accepting blame.
I will take responsibility for this project.
To assume responsibility for handling a task, project, or role, often in a proactive or managerial sense.
Means 'to be in charge of' or 'to handle.' It's the standard way to say you are responsible for a specific task or area, without the heavy connotation of blame.
Mr. Tanaka will take responsibility for this matter.
I am responsible for training new employees.
Means 'to undertake' or 'to take on' a task or responsibility. It implies willingly accepting a duty.
Passive form of 任す (makasu), meaning 'to be entrusted with.' It emphasizes that someone has been given responsibility by a superior.
She was entrusted with an important project.
To take responsibility by stepping down from a position, often in Japanese corporate or political culture.
A formal compound meaning 'to resign to take responsibility.' Commonly used in news reports when executives or officials step down due to scandals or failures.
The president announced his resignation to take responsibility.
A more conversational way to say 'quit to take responsibility.' It combines 責任を取る with 辞める (yameru, to quit).
To be responsible for a person, such as a child, student, or subordinate, including their behavior or well-being.
Means 'to look after' or 'to take care of' someone. It implies responsibility for their daily needs and well-being.
My older sister took care of the children.
A formal term meaning 'to bear supervisory responsibility.' Used when a manager or guardian is held accountable for the actions of those under their supervision.
責任を取る (sekinin o toru) is the most common and implies actively accepting blame or consequences. 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu) focuses on having ongoing responsibility for a task or role. 責任を負う (sekinin o ou) is more formal and emphasizes bearing the weight of responsibility, often in official contexts.
He took responsibility for the mistake (and faced consequences).
I have responsibility for this department (I am in charge).
The company bears responsibility for the accident (formal/legal).
English 'take responsibility' can be translated literally as 責任を取る, but in some contexts, other expressions are more natural. For example, 'take responsibility for a project' is better as 担当する or 責任を持つ, not 責任を取る, which implies blame. Also, 'take responsibility for someone' (care) is 面倒を見る, not 責任を取る.
He took on that difficult task.
He quit the company to take responsibility.
A boss bears supervisory responsibility for their subordinates' misconduct.