zuru verb
Used when someone is formally appointed or nominated to a position, role, or duty. Often seen in official or organizational contexts.
彼を委員長に任ずる。
We appoint him as committee chair.
新たな理事を任ずる人事が
A personnel change appointing a new director was announced.
zuru verb
assume (responsibility); take on (a duty)
Used when someone takes on a responsibility, duty, or role, often with a sense of formality or obligation. Common in phrases like 責任を任ずる.
彼はその任務を任じた。
He assumed that duty.
社長は全責任を任ずると述べた。
The president stated that he would assume full responsibility.
zuru verb
Used when someone pretends to be something they are not, often in a deceptive or theatrical sense. Less common than the other senses.
彼は紳士を任じているが、実際は違う。
He poses as a gentleman, but in reality he is not.