Translation and Meaning of: 責任 - sekinin

The Japanese word 責任[せきにん] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand not only the language but also the culture and values of Japan. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, reflecting deep concepts of responsibility and duty. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in daily life, and why it is so important in Japanese society. Additionally, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and examples of its use in real contexts.

Meaning and translation of 責任 [せきにん]

The word 責任[せきにん] is often translated into Portuguese as "responsibility." However, its meaning carries nuances that go beyond the simple Western definition. In Japan, assuming 責任 is not just about fulfilling an obligation, but also about honoring commitments to society, family, or work. This notion is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where the collective often prevails over the individual.

In formal contexts, such as in corporate or educational environments, 責任[せきにん] is used to describe the assignment of duties and the consequent accountability. For example, a boss may say to an employee: "This is your 責任," indicating that they must take on the task and ensure its completion. In informal situations, such as among friends, the word may appear in conversations about everyday commitments.

Cultural usage and importance in Japan

In Japan, the idea of 責任[せきにん] is linked to values such as honor, discipline, and respect. From an early age, children are taught to take on responsibilities, whether in studies, at home, or in extracurricular activities. This concept is so strong that, in cases of failure or error, it is common to see people apologizing publicly or even resigning from positions to demonstrate that they take their 責任 seriously.

A striking example occurs in the business world, where executives often take the blame for problems in their companies, even if they are not directly responsible. This behavior reflects the cultural importance of maintaining social harmony and trust. Additionally, the word appears in discussions about ethics, politics, and even in animes and dramas, showing its relevance in different spheres of Japanese life.

Tips for memorizing and using 責任[せきにん]

For those learning Japanese, memorizing 責任[せきにん] can be easier by associating it with concrete situations. One tip is to think of scenarios where responsibility is clear, such as at work or in group projects. Repeating the word in sentences like "I have 責任 for this project" helps to fix it in your active vocabulary.

Another strategy is to observe the kanji 責, which carries the idea of "charge" or "demand," combined with 任, which means "burden" or "task." Together, they reinforce the sense of something that has been entrusted to someone and must be fulfilled. This decomposition not only facilitates memorization but also deepens the understanding of the term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 責務 (Sekimu) - Responsibility or formal duty associated with a position.
• 任務 (Ninmu) - Mission or task to be completed.
• 義務 (Gimu) - Moral duty or ethical obligation.
• 重責 (Juuseki) - Great responsibility, usually in high positions.
• 責め (Seme) - Blaming or holding accountable, focus on criticism.
• 責任感 (Sekininkan) - Sense of responsibility or sense of duty.

責任

Romaji: sekinin
Kana: せきにん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: duty; responsibility

Meaning in English: duty;responsibility

Definition: Being accountable for the outcomes of having been entrusted to someone else, organization, or something like that.

Example Sentences - (責任) sekinin

See below some example sentences:

飼育することは責任がある。

Shiiku suru koto wa sekinin ga aru

Taking care of an animal is a responsibility.

Creation is responsible.

• 飼育すること - animal husbandry
• は - Topic particle
• 責任 - responsibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

行為には責任が伴います。

Gyōi ni wa sekinin ga tomonai masu

Actions come with responsibility.

The act is responsible.

• 行為 (kōi) - action, behavior
• には (ni wa) - particle indicating the existence of a relationship between two things
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 伴います (tomoniimasu) - accompany, be with

Translation - "Actions are accompanied by responsibility."

権限を持つ者は責任がある。

Ken'gen wo motsu mono wa sekinin ga aru

Those who have authority have responsibility.

Person in authority is responsible.

• 権限 (けんげん) - authority, power
• を - object particle
• 持つ (もつ) - possess, have
• 者 (しゃ) - Person, individual
• は - Topic particle
• 責任 (せきにん) - responsibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have

私はたくさんの責任を持っています。

Watashi wa takusan no sekinin o motte imasu

I have many responsibilities.

I have a lot of responsibility.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• たくさんの (takusan no) - Japanese expression meaning "many" or "much"
• 責任 (sekinin) - Japanese noun meaning "responsibility"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "responsibility"
• 持っています (motteimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess" in the present continuous tense

各々の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakugaku no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your individual abilities.

We are responsible for each skill.

• 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - Target particle
• 応じて (oujite) - according to, in response to
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 負う (ou) - take over, carry

各自の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakuzi no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your own abilities.

Take responsibility according to your abilities.

• 各自の (kakuji no) - Each one, individually
• 能力に応じて (nouryoku ni oujite) - according to ability
• 責任を負う (sekinin wo ou) - taking responsibility

このプロジェクトを纏めるのは私の責任です。

Kono purojekuto wo matomeru no wa watashi no sekinin desu

It is my responsibility to summarize this project.

• この - this
• プロジェクト - project
• を - direct object of the sentence
• 纏める - lead, coordinate
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 責任 - responsibility
• です - verb to be, indicating that the sentence is affirmative and formal

このプロジェクトを纏めるのはあなたの責任です。

Kono purojekuto o matomeru no wa anata no sekinin desu

It is your responsibility to put this project together.

It is your responsibility to summarize this project.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 纏める - verb that means "organize" or "coordinate"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 責任 - noun meaning "responsibility"
• です - verb that indicates the polite form of the present indicative

トップに立つ人は責任が大きいです。

Toppu ni tatsu hito wa sekinin ga ookii desu

The person at the top is responsible.

• トップに立つ人 - person at the top
• は - Topic particle
• 責任 - responsibility
• が - subject particle
• 大きい - large
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

判事は法律を正確に適用する責任がある。

Hanjoshi wa hōritsu o seikaku ni tekiyō suru sekinin ga aru

The judge is responsible for applying the law accurately.

• 判事 - judge
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 法律 - law
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 正確に - Precisely
• 適用する - Apply
• 責任 - responsibility
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - exist