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罪を着る (つみをきる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
take the blame ; take responsibility ; be charged with a crime
Idiomatic expression meaning to accept blame or responsibility, often for someone else's wrongdoing. Can also mean being formally charged with a crime. The verb 着る (to wear) metaphorically suggests 'wearing' the guilt.
無む 実じつ の 人ひと が 罪つみ を 着き る の は 許ゆる せ ない 。
It's unforgivable for an innocent person to be charged with a crime.
Similar words 罪つみ を 着き せる 罪を着せる means 'to pin the blame on someone' (causative), while 罪を着る means 'to take the blame' (passive/volitional).
責せき 任にん を 取と る 責任を取る is a more general 'take responsibility', while 罪を着る specifically implies accepting blame or guilt, often in a criminal or moral context.
Etymology The expression combines 罪 (crime, guilt) with 着る (to wear), metaphorically meaning 'to wear the guilt'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common idiomatic phrase in modern Japanese.
