責任を取る
sekinin o toru
take responsibility
Literally: responsibility (責任) [object marker] (を) take (取る)
In 15 Seconds
- Owning your actions and accepting the consequences.
- Used in serious work settings or lighthearted social jokes.
- A key phrase for showing maturity and integrity in Japan.
Meaning
This phrase means to step up and own the consequences of your actions. It is about saying 'I am the one responsible, and I will deal with the results.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Making a mistake on a report at work
今回のミスは、私が責任を取ります。
I will take responsibility for this mistake.
Breaking a friend's mug
壊しちゃってごめん。ちゃんと責任を取るね。
Sorry I broke it. I'll take responsibility (and replace it).
Ordering too much food at a restaurant
注文しすぎたから、僕が責任を取って全部食べるよ！
I ordered too much, so I'll take responsibility and eat it all!
Cultural Background
In Japan, 'taking responsibility' often means the leader resigns to protect the company's image, even if they weren't directly involved. Politicians often use this phrase during 'Shazai Kaiken' (apology press conferences) to signal the end of a scandal. Characters often use this phrase to show extreme loyalty or to protect their friends by taking the blame. Younger generations are starting to use it more loosely, but it still retains a very serious nuance compared to Western 'my bad.'
The 'Resignation' Nuance
In a Japanese company, if you say '{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}ります' too strongly, people might actually expect you to quit. Use it carefully!
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small mistake, you'll lose the trust of others because it sounds insincere or overly dramatic.
In 15 Seconds
- Owning your actions and accepting the consequences.
- Used in serious work settings or lighthearted social jokes.
- A key phrase for showing maturity and integrity in Japan.
What It Means
責任を取る is all about accountability. It means you accept the results of a situation. Usually, this happens when something goes wrong. You are telling others you won't run away. You will face the music. It is more than just saying sorry. It implies taking action to fix things. It is the adult way to handle a mess.
How To Use It
To use it, just add a verb ending. Use 責任を取ります for a polite, professional vibe. In casual talk, 責任を取るよ works great. You can use it when you make a mistake. You can also use it when leading a team. It shows you are reliable and brave. Just don't use it for tiny things. It sounds a bit dramatic for dropping a spoon!
When To Use It
Use it at work if a project fails. It shows your boss you have integrity. Use it with friends if you break something. It tells them you will pay for it. You can even use it jokingly. Tell your friends you will 'take responsibility' for a pizza. That means you are going to eat it all! It is a very versatile phrase for many situations.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for very small, daily accidents. If you trip on the sidewalk, don't say this. People will think you are being weirdly serious. Also, don't use it if you didn't do it. Taking responsibility for someone else's mistake is rare. Only do that if you are their boss. Otherwise, it just confuses everyone involved. Keep it for things that actually matter.
Cultural Background
In Japan, taking responsibility is a huge deal. It is tied to the concept of 'Giri' or duty. Sometimes, high-level CEOs resign to 責任を取る. It is a way to protect the company's honor. It shows that the leader cares about the group. This deep sense of accountability keeps society running smoothly. It is a mark of a mature person.
Common Variations
If you feel the weight of a task, use 責任を感じる. That means 'to feel responsibility.' If you want to avoid it, use 責任を逃れる. But don't do that too often! People might call you 無責任, which means 'irresponsible.' That is a word you definitely want to avoid. Stick to being the person who takes charge instead.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral, but the verb ending determines the formality. Use `torimasu` for work and `toru` for friends.
The 'Resignation' Nuance
In a Japanese company, if you say '{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}ります' too strongly, people might actually expect you to quit. Use it carefully!
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small mistake, you'll lose the trust of others because it sounds insincere or overly dramatic.
Bowing
When saying this phrase in person, a deep bow (ojigi) is almost always required to show sincerity.
Examples
6今回のミスは、私が責任を取ります。
I will take responsibility for this mistake.
A professional way to own up to a work error.
壊しちゃってごめん。ちゃんと責任を取るね。
Sorry I broke it. I'll take responsibility (and replace it).
Shows you intend to make things right with a friend.
注文しすぎたから、僕が責任を取って全部食べるよ！
I ordered too much, so I'll take responsibility and eat it all!
A funny way to use a serious phrase for a silly situation.
リーダーとして、私が全ての責任を取るつもりです。
As the leader, I intend to take all the responsibility.
Very serious and shows strong leadership qualities.
君を怒らせた責任を取って、明日は美味しいものを奢るよ。
I'll take responsibility for making you mad and treat you to something delicious tomorrow.
A sweet way to apologize and offer a peace offering.
この映画がつまらなかったら、私が責任を取るから大丈夫！
If this movie is boring, I'll take responsibility, so it's okay!
Used to reassure others when making a group decision.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{私|わたし}が{失敗|しっぱい}の{責任|せきにん}（ ）（ ）。
The direct object particle 'を' is used with the verb '{取|と}る'.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a CEO resigning after a scandal?
Choose the best sentence:
Option B uses the correct formal phrase and context for a resignation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You forgot to lock the office door, and you are talking to your boss.
When admitting a specific mistake to a superior, '{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}る' is the most standard way to show accountability.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{私|わたし}が{失敗|しっぱい}の{責任|せきにん}（ ）（ ）。
The direct object particle 'を' is used with the verb '{取|と}る'.
Choose the best sentence:
Option B uses the correct formal phrase and context for a resignation.
Situation: You forgot to lock the office door, and you are talking to your boss.
When admitting a specific mistake to a superior, '{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}る' is the most standard way to show accountability.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, almost exclusively. You take responsibility for failures, mistakes, or scandals. For good things, you use '{成果|せいか}を{上|あ}げる' (to achieve results).
Only if you are being very serious or slightly sarcastic. It's usually too formal for casual friendship.
'{取|と}る' is more active and common in speech. '{負|お}う' is more passive/literary and common in news or legal documents.
Not always, but in high-level positions (like CEO or Politician), it is the expected outcome.
You can say '{責任|せきにん}を{取|と}りたくない' or '{責任|せきにん}を{逃|のが}れる' (to escape responsibility).
Related Phrases
{責任|せきにん}を{持|も}つ
similarTo have responsibility/be in charge.
{責任|せきにん}を{負|お}う
specialized formTo bear responsibility.
{責任|せきにん}を{果|は}たす
contrastTo fulfill one's responsibility.
{責任転嫁|せきにんてんか}
contrastPassing the buck / blaming others.
