dependents; family members one must support
Refers to people one is responsible for financially or socially, such as children or elderly parents. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
He has many dependents, so life is tough.
encumbrances; things that tie one down
Figurative extension: burdens or obligations that restrict one's freedom, not necessarily people. Less common than the literal sense.
He works desperately to support his dependents.
Debts have become an encumbrance, preventing me from traveling freely.
足かせ literally means 'fetters' and is a common metaphor for something that hinders progress. 係累 is more formal and often implies a social or familial obligation.
Standard kanji spelling.
Rarely used kanji form.
The kanji 係 means 'connection' or 'involvement', and 累 means 'accumulate' or 'trouble'. Together they suggest people or things that are tied to one and become a burden. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.