Translation and Meaning of: 引き受ける - hikiukeru

The word 「引き受ける」 (hikiukeru) is a Japanese verb whose main meaning is "to assume" or "to accept" a responsibility, task, or duty. The word is composed of three parts: 「引き」 (hiki), which means "to pull" or "to take," and 「受ける」 (ukeru), which means "to receive" or "to accept." This combination highlights the action of taking on something that has been passed on or offered by another person.

Etymologically, 「引き」 (hiki) refers to the action of pulling or absorbing something, often used in contexts related to the process of attracting or capturing. On the other hand, 「受ける」 (ukeru) is a common term in Japanese that implies accepting or obtaining something, usually in a favorable manner. Together, these two parts create a powerful verb that conveys the idea of taking on the responsibility or task that another person or situation requires.

In everyday language, 「引き受ける」 (hikiukeru) is used in various contexts, from accepting a project at work to taking on the responsibility of caring for someone or something. In the business world, for example, accepting a project or a new position often uses this expression. In personal life, it can refer to the act of taking on family or social responsibilities.

In addition to practical applications, the word is a cultural representation of how responsibilities and collective actions are viewed. In Japan, the act of acceptance or taking on a role is not just a personal action, but often part of a social expectation of cooperation and harmony. 「引き受ける」 (hikiukeru) is, therefore, a word that captures not only an act but an element of Japanese social culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 引き受ける

• 引き受ける - dictionary form
• 引き受けます - Formal form
• 引き受けますか - Formal interrogative form
• 引き受けた - past form
• 引き受けて - て imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 引き受ける (hikiukeru) - Assume, accept (a job or responsibility)
• 受け持つ (ukemotsu) - Be responsible for, take charge of (something specific, like a class or task)

引き受ける

Romaji: hikiukeru
Kana: ひきうける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: undertake; to assume; take over control; Be responsible; to guarantee; contract (disease)

Meaning in English: to undertake;to take up;to take over;to be responsible for;to guarantee;to contract (disease)

Definition: To bear the burden of something requested by another person.

Example Sentences - (引き受ける) hikiukeru

See below some example sentences:

私はその仕事を引き受けるつもりです。

Watashi wa sono shigoto o hikiukeru tsumori desu

I intend to take this work.

I will accept this work.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• その (sono) - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that"
• 仕事 (shigoto) - noun that means "work"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "work"
• 引き受ける (hikiukeru) - verb meaning "to assume" or "to accept"
• つもり (tsumori) - expression that indicates the intention to do something
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking