Meaning
A significant duty or obligation that one must fulfill.
Cultural Background
In joint families, the 'baṛī zimmedārī' of the household often falls on the 'Baṛī Bahū' (eldest daughter-in-law). This is a common theme in literature and television. In modern Indian startups, 'taking ownership' is often translated in spirit as 'zimmedārī lenā'. It is a highly valued trait in employees. Politicians often use the phrase 'Janatā kī zimmedārī' (responsibility toward the public) to sound humble and service-oriented during elections. Teachers in India are often told that shaping the future of students is their 'baṛī zimmedārī', emphasizing the moral weight of the profession.
Gender Match
Always remember 'zimmedārī' is feminine. If you say 'baṛā zimmedārī', native speakers will immediately know you are a beginner.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small task, you will sound like you are complaining or being melodramatic.
Meaning
A significant duty or obligation that one must fulfill.
Gender Match
Always remember 'zimmedārī' is feminine. If you say 'baṛā zimmedārī', native speakers will immediately know you are a beginner.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small task, you will sound like you are complaining or being melodramatic.
Verb Collocation
Pair it with 'निभाना' (nibhānā) to sound like a native. 'I fulfilled my responsibility' = 'मैंने अपनी जिम्मेदारी निभाई'.
Humility
When someone gives you a compliment on a new job, saying 'Yeh ek baṛī zimmedārī hai' is a culturally appropriate way to show humility.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the adjective for 'zimmedārī'.
यह एक _______ जिम्मेदारी है।
'Zimmedārī' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'baṛī'.
Fill in the verb that means 'to fulfill'.
हमें अपनी बड़ी जिम्मेदारी _______ चाहिए।
The standard collocation for fulfilling a responsibility is 'nibhānā'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'baṛī zimmedārī'.
Situation: You are promoted to CEO of a company.
A CEO role is a high-stakes leadership position, making it a 'baṛī zimmedārī'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: मैंने सुना है कि तुम अब अकेले पूरे घर का खर्च उठा रहे हो। B: हाँ, अब मुझ पर _______ है।
Managing household expenses is a serious duty, fitting the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Zimmedārī vs. Kām
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयह एक _______ जिम्मेदारी है।
'Zimmedārī' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'baṛī'.
हमें अपनी बड़ी जिम्मेदारी _______ चाहिए।
The standard collocation for fulfilling a responsibility is 'nibhānā'.
Situation: You are promoted to CEO of a company.
A CEO role is a high-stakes leadership position, making it a 'baṛī zimmedārī'.
A: मैंने सुना है कि तुम अब अकेले पूरे घर का खर्च उठा रहे हो। B: हाँ, अब मुझ पर _______ है।
Managing household expenses is a serious duty, fitting the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsMostly, yes. But 'zimmedārī' implies accountability and trust, whereas 'duty' (farz/kartavya) can sometimes feel more like a rule you must follow.
No, 'zimmedārī' is feminine, so it must be 'baṛī'.
It is 'बड़ी जिम्मेदारियाँ' (baṛī zimmedāriyā̃).
Only in very formal, government, or academic writing. In 95% of situations, 'zimmedārī' is the better choice.
You say 'मैं जिम्मेदारी लेता हूँ' (Main zimmedārī letā hūn).
No, for physical weight, use 'bhārī' (heavy). 'Baṛī zimmedārī' is for abstract duties.
Yes, constantly! It's a key phrase in movies about family, patriotism, and heroism.
It is 'gair-zimmedār' (irresponsible).
Yes, 'bhārī zimmedārī' is correct but sounds more poetic or dramatic.
Yes, it's very common in meetings, performance reviews, and leadership training.
Not necessarily. It can be a positive thing, like an honor, though it always implies effort is required.
Yes. While some dialects might say 'jimmedārī' (with a 'j'), the standard and more educated pronunciation uses the 'z'.
Related Phrases
जिम्मेदारी निभाना
builds onTo fulfill a responsibility
उत्तरदायित्व
synonymAccountability/Responsibility
जवाबदेही
similarAccountability
बड़ा बोझ
contrastA big burden
फर्ज
similarDuty
