責任（せきにん、sekinin）
- responsibility

The Japanese word 責任 せきにん generally translates to "responsibility," "duty," or "liability" in English. It encompasses the state of being accountable for something. This can involve being answerable for one's actions, accepting the consequences of those actions, or having a role in ensuring a task or outcome is achieved. It’s a core concept in both personal and professional contexts, covering moral, legal, and social obligations. The word often carries a weight of seriousness, implying that failing to fulfill one's 責任 can lead to negative repercussions. It suggests a commitment or a burden associated with a role, task, or situation.

⚫︎彼は仕事の《責任を果たすことに尽力した。》 Translation: He was dedicated to fulfilling his work responsibilities. ⚫︎その事故の《責任は誰にあるのか？》 Translation: Whose responsibility is that accident? ⚫︎リーダーはチームの成功に《責任がある。》 Translation: The leader is responsible for the team's success.

⚫︎責任 is used in various contexts to discuss accountability and obligation. ⚫︎It's applicable in conversations about work, relationships, law, and ethics. ⚫︎It's common to use it when assigning tasks, discussing consequences, or evaluating performance. ⚫︎When used, you're implicitly or explicitly referring to the obligations and consequences associated with a particular role, action, or situation.

⚫︎The word 責任 is typically written in Kanji as 責任. ⚫︎The reading is せきにん, and it's essential to recognize the Kanji to understand the nuances of the word. ⚫︎There are no variations in okurigana.

⚫︎義務 (ぎむ) - duty, obligation ⚫︎担当 (たんとう) - being in charge of; being responsible for ⚫︎役割 (やくわり) - role, duty ⚫︎責務 (せきむ) - duty, obligation (similar to 責任 but often more formal) ⚫︎負担 (ふたん) - burden, responsibility (can refer to the burden of responsibility)

⚫︎無責任 (むせきにん) - irresponsibility ⚫︎免責 (めんせき) - exemption from liability

彼は自分の行ったことに対して《責任を取るべきだ。》 ・Translation: He should take responsibility for what he did. ・Explanation: This sentence emphasizes the need for an individual to accept accountability for their actions.

社長は会社の業績に対して《責任を感じている。》 ・Translation: The president feels responsible for the company's performance. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the president’s 責任 regarding the success (or failure) of the company.

The word 責任 is a compound word derived from two Kanji: 責 (seki) meaning "blame," "duty," or "charge" and 任 (nin) meaning "entrust," "appoint," or "assume." The combination signifies the assumption of a charge or the acceptance of a duty, thus forming the meaning of responsibility or obligation. The concept is rooted in the idea of bearing the consequences or being accountable for something one is entrusted with or appointed to handle.