Meaning
To accept accountability for an action or situation.
Cultural Background
In Korean corporate culture, 'taking responsibility' often involves a symbolic resignation (사퇴) to protect the company's image. The idea of responsibility is tied to 'filial piety' and 'loyalty'. One is responsible for the honor of their family and organization. Younger Koreans use '책임지다' less formally, often in the context of 'who is paying for dinner' or 'who is leading the group project'. Korean law distinguishes between 'civil responsibility' (민사 책임) and 'criminal responsibility' (형사 책임).
Use in Interviews
Saying '책임감이 강합니다' (I have a strong sense of responsibility) is a top-tier answer in Korean job interviews.
Legal Caution
In a car accident, saying '내가 책임질게' can be used as an admission of guilt. Be careful with your wording.
Meaning
To accept accountability for an action or situation.
Use in Interviews
Saying '책임감이 강합니다' (I have a strong sense of responsibility) is a top-tier answer in Korean job interviews.
Legal Caution
In a car accident, saying '내가 책임질게' can be used as an admission of guilt. Be careful with your wording.
The '을' Particle
Drop the '을' in casual speech ('책임질게') to sound more like a native speaker.
The Resignation Culture
Understand that 'taking responsibility' in news often means the person is quitting their job.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '책임을 지다'.
제가 이번 실수에 대해 ( )겠습니다.
The standard phrase for 'I will take responsibility' is '책임을 지겠습니다'.
Which sentence is the most natural in a job interview?
Choose the best answer:
This shows a strong sense of responsibility, which is a positive trait.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 사고는 누구 때문이죠? B: ( )
This is a proactive and responsible response to a problem.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match '책임을 통감하다' to the correct context.
'책임을 통감하다' is a very formal expression used in serious public apologies.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
지다 vs 맡다
Practice Bank
4 exercises제가 이번 실수에 대해 ( )겠습니다.
The standard phrase for 'I will take responsibility' is '책임을 지겠습니다'.
Choose the best answer:
This shows a strong sense of responsibility, which is a positive trait.
A: 이 사고는 누구 때문이죠? B: ( )
This is a proactive and responsible response to a problem.
Match '책임을 통감하다' to the correct context.
'책임을 통감하다' is a very formal expression used in serious public apologies.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is often written and used as a single verb, though '책임을 지다' is also correct.
It's better to use '할게요' for small tasks. '책임지다' sounds very heavy.
The opposite is '책임을 회피하다' (to avoid responsibility).
You can say '제가 책임지고 살게요' or more commonly '제가 낼게요'.
It means 'to be irresponsible'.
Yes, very often in both office dramas and romantic scenes.
Yes, '자식을 책임지다' is a common expression for parenting.
'책임' is responsibility/accountability, while '의무' is a mandatory duty or legal obligation.
You use '책임을 묻다' (literally: to ask for responsibility).
Yes, it is a very respectful and mature thing to say.
Related Phrases
책임을 맡다
similarTo take on a role/duty
책임을 다하다
builds onTo fulfill one's responsibility
책임을 회피하다
contrastTo avoid responsibility
책임을 전가하다
contrastTo shift blame to someone else
책임감
specialized formSense of responsibility
