Meaning
The obligation to act for the benefit of society.
Cultural Background
India's Companies Act 2013 made it mandatory for companies with a certain turnover to spend 2% of their net profit on CSR. This has made 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी' a buzzword in Indian boardrooms. The concept of 'Daan' (giving) is central to Indian culture. During festivals like Diwali or Eid, fulfilling one's social responsibility through charity is considered spiritually rewarding. In the context of climate change, 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी' is increasingly used to refer to sustainable living and reducing waste, aligning with global UN Sustainable Development Goals. Modern Indian youth often use this phrase in the context of social media activism, referring to their duty to speak up against social injustices.
Use the verb 'निभाना'
Always pair 'जिम्मेदारी' with 'निभाना' (to fulfill) to sound like a native speaker. Avoid 'करना'.
Gender Alert
Remember 'जिम्मेदारी' is feminine. Say 'मेरी जिम्मेदारी', not 'मेरा जिम्मेदारी'.
Meaning
The obligation to act for the benefit of society.
Use the verb 'निभाना'
Always pair 'जिम्मेदारी' with 'निभाना' (to fulfill) to sound like a native speaker. Avoid 'करना'.
Gender Alert
Remember 'जिम्मेदारी' is feminine. Say 'मेरी जिम्मेदारी', not 'मेरा जिम्मेदारी'.
CSR in India
If you're in a business meeting in India, using this phrase will show you're aware of the local legal and ethical landscape.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective.
पर्यावरण को बचाना हमारी _______ (समाज) जिम्मेदारी है।
The adjective form of 'समाज' is 'सामाजिक'.
Which verb is most commonly used with 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी'?
हमें अपनी सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी _______ चाहिए।
'निभाना' (to fulfill/perform) is the standard collocation for responsibilities.
Complete the dialogue in a formal register.
Manager: हमारी कंपनी को इस साल क्या नया करना चाहिए? Employee: सर, हमें अपनी _______ पर ध्यान देना चाहिए और एक चैरिटी इवेंट करना चाहिए।
In a corporate context, 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी' (CSR) is the most appropriate term for charity work.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'यह मेरी सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी है कि मैं वोट दूँ।'
Voting is a key example of civic/social responsibility.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Individual vs Corporate Responsibility
Practice Bank
4 exercisesपर्यावरण को बचाना हमारी _______ (समाज) जिम्मेदारी है।
The adjective form of 'समाज' is 'सामाजिक'.
हमें अपनी सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी _______ चाहिए।
'निभाना' (to fulfill/perform) is the standard collocation for responsibilities.
Manager: हमारी कंपनी को इस साल क्या नया करना चाहिए? Employee: सर, हमें अपनी _______ पर ध्यान देना चाहिए और एक चैरिटी इवेंट करना चाहिए।
In a corporate context, 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी' (CSR) is the most appropriate term for charity work.
Sentence: 'यह मेरी सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी है कि मैं वोट दूँ।'
Voting is a key example of civic/social responsibility.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it applies to individuals too. Simple acts like recycling or volunteering are part of an individual's social responsibility.
'Farz' is often more personal or religious duty, while 'Jimmedari' is a broader term for responsibility. 'Farz' sounds more emotional.
It might sound a bit too formal. In a text, you might just say 'मदद करना' (helping) or 'नेक काम' (good deed).
You can say 'कॉर्पोरेट सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी' (Corporate Sāmājik Jimmedārī).
Yes, always. This is a common point of error for learners.
There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'सामाजिक गैर-जिम्मेदारी' (social irresponsibility) can be used.
'Samaj' is the noun (society), and 'Samajik' is the adjective (social). You need the adjective to modify the noun 'responsibility'.
Yes, often in movies with social messages or in interviews where actors talk about their charity work.
Yes, 'सामाजिक जिम्मेदारियाँ' (Sāmājik jimmedāriyā̃).
Yes, in urban India and corporate settings, 'CSR' is very common even when speaking Hindi.
Related Phrases
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व
synonymSocial accountability/responsibility
नागरिक कर्तव्य
similarCivic duty
परोपकार
builds onPhilanthropy / helping others
नैतिक जिम्मेदारी
similarMoral responsibility
