Translation guide
Expresses voluntarily assuming a responsibility, task, or burden. Japanese often uses verbs like 引き受ける (to undertake), 背負う (to shoulder), or 買って出る (to volunteer). The choice depends on formality and nuance.
The speaker willingly takes on a duty, job, or role, often for someone else or on their own initiative.
The most common and neutral way to say 'take on' a task, responsibility, or role. Can be used in both casual and formal settings.
その仕事を引き受けます。
I'll take on that job.
彼はリーダーの役割を引き受けた。
He took on the role of leader.
Literally 'to come forward to buy,' meaning to volunteer eagerly or take the initiative to do something. Often used when someone steps up without being asked.
誰もやらないなら、私が買って出ます。
If no one else will do it, I'll take it upon myself.
Means 'to shoulder' a burden or responsibility. Conveys a sense of weight or personal sacrifice. Often used for heavy responsibilities.
彼は家族の借金を背負った。
He took the family's debt upon himself.
A pattern meaning 'to do ~ willingly/on one's own initiative.' Used when emphasizing voluntary action.
彼女は自分から進んでその役を引き受けた。
She took it upon herself to accept the role.
The speaker accepts something negative, such as blame, debt, or a difficult task, often to protect others.
Means 'to take on' something undesirable like blame, loss, or damage. Often used in the phrase 罪を被る (to take the blame).
彼は罪を被った。
He took the blame upon himself.
Similar to 背負う but more formal/literary. Means to bear or carry a burden, responsibility, or debt.
責任を負う覚悟はできている。
I am prepared to take the responsibility upon myself.
Literally 'to become a substitute,' meaning to take someone's place in bearing a burden or punishment.
彼は友達の身代わりになって罰を受けた。
He took the punishment upon himself in place of his friend.
Used in business or formal contexts when accepting a project, contract, or duty.
Means to contract or undertake a job, project, or work. Common in business settings.
その建設会社が工事を請け負った。
The construction company took on the project.
Means 'to be in charge of' or 'to handle' a task. Less about volunteering and more about being assigned, but can be used when you take on a role.
私がその案件を担当します。
I'll take on that matter.
引き受ける is the most general and neutral. 背負う emphasizes the weight of the burden and is often used for serious responsibilities. 買って出る implies enthusiastic volunteering, often in informal situations.
彼は仕事を引き受けた。
He took on the work.
彼は家族の将来を背負っている。
He shoulders the family's future.
彼女が司会を買って出た。
She volunteered to be the MC.
The English phrase 'take upon oneself' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 自分の上に取る (jibun no ue ni toru) is unnatural. Choose the appropriate verb based on context.
She volunteered to be the MC.
The English phrase 'take upon oneself' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 自分の上に取る (jibun no ue ni toru) is unnatural. Choose the appropriate verb based on context.