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:

君主は国を統治する責任がある。

Kunshu wa kuni o tōchi suru sekinin ga aru

The monarch is responsible for the governance of the country.

• 君主 - It means "monarch" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the "monarch."
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicates that the "country" is the object of the action.
• 統治する - "Governar" em japonês é "治める" (osameru).
• 責任がある - 責任を持つ (せきにんをもつ)

国王は国を統治する責任がある。

Kokuō wa kuni o tōchi suru sekinin ga aru

The king is responsible for the government of the country.

• 国王 - Rei
• は - Topic particle
• 国を - Country
• 統治する - to rule
• 責任が - responsibility
• ある - exist

彼は大きな責任を担っている。

Kare wa ookina sekinin o ninaotte iru

He is carrying a great responsibility.

He is responsible for a great deal.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大きな (ookina) - great
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 担っている (ninaotteiru) - Loading / assuming

社会人としての責任を果たす。

Shakaijin to shite no sekinin wo hatasu

Take responsibility as a member of society.

• 社会人 - shakaijin - person of society
• として - toshite - as, in the capacity of
• の - Não Possessive particle
• 責任 - responsibility - responsibility
• を - wo - direct object particle
• 果たす - hatasu - fulfill, carry out

規範を守ることは社会的責任です。

Kihan wo mamoru koto wa shakaiteki sekinin desu

It is a social responsibility to protect the norm.

• 規範 (kihan) - norm, rule
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 守る (mamoru) - protect, obey
• こと (koto) - Abstract noun, in this case, "the act of obeying the rules"
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会的 (shakaiteki) - Social
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• です (desu) - verb "to be", in this case, indicating an affirmation

記者は真実を伝える責任がある。

Kisha wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru sekinin ga aru

Reporters are responsible for conveying the truth.

• 記者 (kisha) - journalist
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - transmit
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist

責任を果たすことが大切です。

Sekinin wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill responsibility.

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たす (hatasu) - fulfill, carry out
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

貸しは大切な責任です。

Kashi wa taisetsu na sekinin desu

Loans is an important responsibility.

• 貸し - noun that means "loan"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject in question is the "loan"
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• な - particle that functions as an adjective, indicating that the "loan" is "important"
• 責任 - noun meaning "responsibility"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the "loan" is an "important responsibility"