責任
sekinin[se̞kʲiɲ̟ĩɴ]
The English word 'responsibility' is translated into Japanese as 責任 (sekinin).
責任 refers to a duty, obligation or liability for which someone is responsible.
Meaning: a duty, obligation or liability for which someone is responsible (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 責任 refers to responsibility or liability, the word 義務 is used specifically for a formal or legal duty or obligation. Additionally, the expression 重責 carries the connotation of a heavy or significant responsibility.
How do you pronounce it?
sekinin
Did you know?
- The term 連帯責任 refers to 'joint responsibility', a cultural concept where an entire group is held accountable for the mistake of a single member.
- In Japanese business culture, the phrase 責任を取る ('taking responsibility') often implies that the person will resign from their position to apologize for a failure.
- The kanji for responsibility, 責, contains a radical that relates to the idea of 'to punish' or 'to demand', suggesting that responsibility is inherently tied to an expectation of accountability.
Examples in context
- 彼は責任感が強い。He has a strong sense of responsibility.This sentence is useful for describing someone with a strong sense of responsibility using 責任.Tatoeba #103108 by bunbuku, translation #300585 by CK
- 太郎は責任感が強い。Taro has a strong sense of responsibility.Tatoeba #138038 by small_snow, translation #275197 by CN
- 私が責任を取ります。I'll take responsibility.This sentence is useful for expressing the action of taking responsibility using 責任.Tatoeba #2976538 by tommy_san, translation #2247819 by CK
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a mistake made at work.
- 健太 Kenta今回のミスは誰の責任ですか？Konkai no misu wa dare no sekinin desu ka?Whose responsibility is this mistake?
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんの責任ではありませんよ。Kenta-san no sekinin dewa arimasen yo.It is not your responsibility, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaでも、私がもっと注意すべきでした。Demo, watashi ga motto chūi subeki deshita.But I should have been more careful.
- 美咲 Misakiあまり自分を責めないでください。Amari jibun o semenaide kudasai.Please don't blame yourself too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “responsibility” translations and entries 責任, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
