A1 noun Neutral #3,110 most common

責任

sekinin /se̞kʲiɲiɴ/

Sekinin refers to the duty or obligation one has to complete a task or take accountability for their actions. It is often used to describe being 'in charge' of something or being the person who accepts the blame if things go wrong.

Examples

3 of 5
1

これは私の責任です。

This is my responsibility.

2

リーダーとして、彼には重い責任があります。

As a leader, he has a heavy responsibility.

3

君の責任じゃないから、気にしないで。

It's not your fault, so don't worry about it.

Word Family

Noun
責任
Verb
責任を持つ
Adverb
責任を持って
Adjective
無責任な
Related
責任感
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Nin' in sekinin as the 'ninja' who has a secret mission (duty) they must fulfill no matter what.

Quick Quiz

仕事でミスをしたので、彼は( )を取って辞めました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 責任

Examples

1

これは私の責任です。

everyday

This is my responsibility.

2

リーダーとして、彼には重い責任があります。

formal

As a leader, he has a heavy responsibility.

3

君の責任じゃないから、気にしないで。

informal

It's not your fault, so don't worry about it.

4

社会的責任についての論文を書きました。

academic

I wrote a paper about social responsibility.

5

このプロジェクトの責任者は誰ですか?

business

Who is the person in charge of this project?

Word Family

Noun
責任
Verb
責任を持つ
Adverb
責任を持って
Adjective
無責任な
Related
責任感

Common Collocations

責任を取る to take responsibility
責任を果たす to fulfill one's responsibility
責任を感じる to feel responsible
責任がある to have responsibility
責任を転嫁する to shift the responsibility to someone else

Common Phrases

自己責任

taking responsibility for one's own actions

責任転嫁

passing the buck / shifting blame

重大な責任

a grave responsibility

Often Confused With

責任 vs 義務

Gimu (duty) usually refers to legal or moral obligations, while sekinin refers more to accountability for outcomes.

📝

Usage Notes

Sekinin can mean both 'duty' and 'blame' depending on the context. In Japanese work culture, 'taking responsibility' (sekinin o toru) often implies resigning or making a formal apology.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'sei' (fault) and 'sekinin' interchangeably, but 'sekinin' is a more formal noun, while 'sei' is used to specifically point out the cause of a negative result.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Nin' in sekinin as the 'ninja' who has a secret mission (duty) they must fulfill no matter what.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese: 'Seki' (責) meaning to reproach or demand, and 'Nin' (任) meaning to appoint or burden.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a noun followed by particles like 'ga', 'o', or 'wa'. Commonly combined with the verb 'toru' (to take) or 'hatasu' (to fulfill).
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'sekinin' is a core social value; leaders often take collective responsibility for the mistakes of their subordinates to maintain group harmony.

Quick Quiz

仕事でミスをしたので、彼は( )を取って辞めました。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 責任

Related Phrases

Related Words

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温度

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湿度

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圧力

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張力

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抵抗

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重力

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引力

A1

The physical force of attraction that pulls objects toward one another, most famously observed as Earth's gravity. It is also used metaphorically to describe a powerful charm or magnetic influence that draws people toward something.

衝突

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衝撃

A1

A strong physical impact or collision between objects, or a powerful emotional state of being startled or shocked by an event or news. It implies a sudden and forceful effect that leaves a lasting impression or causes visible damage.

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