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A2 verb #2,500 most common 8 min read

책임지다

chaegimjida
At the A1 level, '책임지다' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'to do a job you must do'. Think of it like saying 'I will do it' for a chore. In simple Korean, it's like saying '내가 할게요' (I will do it) but with a promise that you will finish it. You might hear it when someone says they will take care of a pet or a small task. At this level, focus on the basic structure: [Noun] + 을/를 책임지다. For example, '청소를 책임지다' (to be responsible for cleaning). It's about basic actions and promises. You don't need to worry about the deep social meanings yet; just think of it as a strong way to say you will do something.
At the A2 level, you start to use '책임지다' to describe your roles in daily life. You might say you are responsible for a specific task at school or work. You understand that this word is stronger than just '하다' (to do). It implies that if the task isn't done, it's your fault. You can use it in the future tense to make commitments: '제가 책임질게요' (I'll take care of it/I'll be responsible). You also begin to see it in common phrases like '가족을 책임지다' (to support/take responsibility for a family). This level focuses on clear, concrete responsibilities that you can point to, like a project, a pet, or a specific chore.
At the B1 level, you recognize the social and professional weight of '책임지다'. You use it to discuss workplace duties and social obligations. You can distinguish between '담당하다' (to be in charge of) and '책임지다' (to be accountable for). You might use it in more complex sentences, such as '실수에 대해 책임지는 것이 중요해요' (It is important to take responsibility for mistakes). You also understand the cultural aspect of 'bearing a burden' (지다). This level involves using the word to talk about character traits—being a 'responsible person' (책임감 있는 사람). You start to use it in the past tense to discuss outcomes and accountability.
At the B2 level, you can use '책임지다' in abstract and formal contexts. You understand its use in news, politics, and legal discussions. You can talk about 'social responsibility' (사회적 책임) and 'legal liability' (법적 책임). You are comfortable with various grammatical forms, like '책임져야만 한다' (must take responsibility) or '책임질 수밖에 없다' (have no choice but to take responsibility). You also understand the nuance of '책임지고 사퇴하다' (to resign taking responsibility), a common phrase in Korean news. You can use the word to argue points about ethics and leadership, and you understand the metaphorical 'weight' the word carries in Korean society.
At the C1 level, you master the subtle nuances and idiomatic uses of '책임지다'. You can use it to describe complex emotional and philosophical commitments. You understand how it functions in literature to show a character's internal struggle with duty. You can use it in high-level business negotiations to define boundaries of liability. You also recognize when the word is used sarcastically or ironically. You are familiar with related Hanja terms like '책임감' (sense of responsibility), '책임자' (person in charge), and '무책임' (irresponsibility). You can discuss the evolution of the concept of responsibility in modern Korean history and how it differs from Western concepts.
At the C2 level, you use '책임지다' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its deepest cultural roots and can use it in any register, from extremely formal legal documents to poetic expressions. You can analyze the word's use in political rhetoric to influence public opinion. You understand the implications of '책임지다' in the context of collective vs. individual responsibility in Korea. You can use the word to express complex ideas about destiny, life choices, and the human condition. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, capturing all the weight, honor, and burden that the word '책임' implies.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

책임지다 in 30 Seconds

  • 책임지다 means taking active ownership of a task or consequence, moving beyond just having a duty to actively fulfilling it.
  • It is a transitive verb commonly used with the object particle -을/를, such as '일을 책임지다' or '가족을 책임지다'.
  • In Korean culture, it carries a strong moral weight, often implying leadership, protection, or the willingness to face professional repercussions.
  • Synonyms like 담당하다 are more administrative, while 책임지다 is more about the final accountability and the 'burden' of the outcome.

The Korean verb 책임지다 (chaegim-jida) is a compound word formed from the noun 책임 (責任), meaning 'responsibility' or 'duty', and the auxiliary verb 지다, which literally means 'to bear' or 'to carry on one's back'. In its most fundamental sense, it describes the act of accepting the burden of a task, a consequence, or a person's well-being. Unlike the English 'to be responsible', which can describe a state of being, 책임지다 is an active, dynamic verb that implies a commitment to see something through to the end or to face the repercussions if things go wrong. In Korean society, where collective harmony and hierarchical duties are paramount, this word carries significant weight. It is not just about doing a job; it is about the moral and social weight of that job.

Etymological Root
The Hanja 責 (chaek) means 'to blame' or 'to demand', while 任 (im) means 'to appoint' or 'to trust'. Thus, the root implies being entrusted with something for which one can be held accountable.
Physical Metaphor
The use of '지다' (to carry on the back) suggests that responsibility is a physical load that one must support with their own strength.
Social Nuance
In a Korean context, taking responsibility often involves public apology or resignation in professional settings, reflecting the 'face' culture.

“제가 이 프로젝트의 결과를 책임지겠습니다.” (I will take responsibility for the results of this project.)

— A common phrase used in business to show leadership and accountability.

When you use this word, you are signaling to others that you are the 'point person'. If a child breaks a window, the parent might 책임지다 by paying for the repair. If a manager makes a bad decision, they 책임지다 by fixing the error or stepping down. It is a word of integrity. It spans from the mundane (taking responsibility for dinner) to the profound (taking responsibility for one's life choices). The depth of the word is found in its persistence; you don't just 'take' responsibility once; you 'carry' it until the matter is resolved.

“자신의 행동에 대해 책임지는 자세가 필요합니다.” (An attitude of taking responsibility for one's actions is necessary.)

Grammatical Particle
Usually takes the object particle -을/를 (e.g., 일을 책임지다).
Active vs. Passive
While '책임이 있다' means 'to have responsibility', '책임지다' is the active choice to embrace it.

Using 책임지다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. The most common structure is [Noun] + 을/를 책임지다. This noun can be a task, a person, a group, or even an abstract concept like 'the future'. Because it is a verb of action, it is frequently used in the future tense (책임질 거예요) to make promises, or in the past tense (책임졌어요) to confirm that a duty was fulfilled. It is also common in the 'must' form (책임져야 해요) to express obligation.

“가족의 생계를 책임지고 있어요.” (I am responsible for my family's livelihood.)

In professional settings, you will often see it combined with specific roles. For example, '마케팅을 책임지다' (to be in charge of marketing). Here, it functions similarly to '담당하다' (to be in charge of), but with a stronger emphasis on the consequences. If you '담당' something, you are doing the work; if you '책임' something, you are the one who answers for it if it fails. This distinction is vital in Korean corporate culture.

Honorifics
In formal situations, use '책임지겠습니다' to show high resolve. In casual settings, '내가 책임질게' is common among friends.
Negative Usage
'책임지지 않다' or '책임을 회피하다' (to avoid responsibility) are used to criticize lack of accountability.

Furthermore, '책임지다' is used in romantic or familial contexts. A person might say '내가 너를 평생 책임질게' (I will take responsibility for you for the rest of my life) during a proposal. While this might sound patronizing in some Western contexts, in Korea, it is a traditional expression of deep commitment and the promise to provide and protect. It reflects the provider role in a relationship.

You will encounter 책임지다 in a variety of high-stakes environments. In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), it is a staple of the 'CEO' or 'Leader' character's vocabulary. They often use it to protect their subordinates or to assert their authority. In news broadcasts, it is frequently heard during political scandals or corporate disasters, where the public demands that someone '책임지고 물러나다' (take responsibility and step down).

“이번 사고에 대해 누군가는 책임져야 합니다.” (Someone must take responsibility for this accident.)

In the workplace, your boss might ask, '누가 이 일을 책임질 거지?' (Who is going to take responsibility for this task?). This is a call for a volunteer to lead a project. In educational settings, teachers encourage students to '자신의 공부를 책임지다' (take responsibility for their own studies), promoting autonomy. Even in advertising, companies use it to build trust: '우리가 당신의 건강을 책임집니다' (We take responsibility for your health).

Legal Context
In courts, '법적 책임을 지다' means to be legally liable for an action.
Everyday Life
Parents telling children to '책임지고 방 청소해' (Take responsibility and clean your room).

The word is also prevalent in sports. A 'star player' is said to '팀의 승리를 책임지다' (take responsibility for the team's victory). This implies that the outcome of the game rests on their shoulders. It creates a narrative of heroism and burden. Understanding this word helps you grasp the underlying social expectations in Korean interactions—that every action has an owner who must answer for it.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 책임지다 with 책임이 있다. While they both relate to responsibility, '책임이 있다' (to have responsibility) is a state or a fact, whereas '책임지다' is the act of stepping up to fulfill that responsibility. For example, if you are a parent, you have the responsibility (책임이 있다), but when you pay for your child's tuition, you are taking responsibility (책임지다).

❌ “나는 이 일을 책임이 있어요.” (Incorrect particle usage)
✅ “나는 이 일에 책임이 있어요.” (I have responsibility for this.)
✅ “나는 이 일을 책임질게요.” (I will take responsibility for this.)

Another mistake is using the wrong particle. '책임지다' is a transitive verb and almost always takes the object particle -을/를. Learners often mistakenly use the subject particle -이/가 or the dative -에. Remember: you are 'carrying' the object, so it must be an object in the sentence.

Overuse in Small Tasks
Don't say '책임지다' for buying a cup of coffee. It's too heavy. Use '사다' or '내다'.
Confusing with '맡다'
'맡다' is simply to take on a role. '책임지다' includes the potential for blame or praise based on the outcome.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the honorific forms. In a professional apology, saying '내가 책임질게' to a superior is a major faux pas. You must use '제가 책임을 지겠습니다' or '제가 책임을 통감합니다' (I deeply feel the responsibility). The level of formality used with this word often dictates how sincerely your acceptance of responsibility is perceived.

To truly master 책임지다, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common related word is 담당하다 (damdang-hada). While '책임지다' emphasizes the burden and accountability, '담당하다' is more neutral and administrative. It simply means 'to be in charge of' a specific department or task as part of one's job description.

맡다 (Mat-da)
A very common, versatile word meaning 'to take on' or 'to handle'. It is less formal than '책임지다'. You can '맡다' a role, a smell, or a task.
감당하다 (Gamdang-hada)
This means 'to cope with' or 'to be able to handle'. It is often used in the negative (감당할 수 없다) to mean something is too much to bear.
주관하다 (Jugwan-hada)
To host or supervise an event. It's more about the organization than the moral responsibility.

“이 행사는 우리 부서에서 주관하지만, 안전은 제가 책임집니다.” (Our department is hosting this event, but I take responsibility for safety.)

Another interesting comparison is with 도맡다 (domat-da), which means 'to take it all on oneself' or 'to monopolize' a task. If you '도맡아 책임지다', it means you are doing everything and taking all the heat for it. There is also 전담하다 (jeondam-hada), which means 'to be solely responsible' for something, often used in professional contexts to define clear boundaries of work.

In summary, while these words overlap, '책임지다' remains the most powerful choice when you want to convey a sense of duty, honor, and the willingness to face consequences. It is the word of a leader, a parent, and a reliable friend.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

제가 청소를 책임질게요.

I will take responsibility for the cleaning.

-을/를 particle with a basic task.

2

이 강아지는 제가 책임져요.

I take responsibility for this puppy.

Present tense showing ongoing duty.

3

누가 간식을 책임질 거예요?

Who will be responsible for the snacks?

Future tense question.

4

엄마가 저녁을 책임지세요.

Mom is responsible for dinner.

Honorific -시- added to the verb.

5

자기 물건은 자기가 책임지세요.

Take responsibility for your own things.

Imperative form.

6

우리는 환경을 책임져야 해요.

We must take responsibility for the environment.

-아/어야 하다 (must) construction.

7

이 일은 제가 책임지고 할게요.

I will take responsibility and do this work.

-고 (and) connecting two actions.

8

동생을 잘 책임지세요.

Take good care of (be responsible for) your younger sibling.

Adverb '잘' (well) modifying the verb.

1

이번 프로젝트는 제가 책임지겠습니다.

I will take responsibility for this project.

Formal -겠습니다 ending for a promise.

2

부모님은 자녀를 책임져야 합니다.

Parents must take responsibility for their children.

General truth using -어야 합니다.

3

제 실수니까 제가 책임질게요.

It's my mistake, so I'll take responsibility.

Reason clause with -니까.

4

누가 이 사고를 책임질 겁니까?

Who is going to take responsibility for this accident?

Formal question form.

5

우리는 우리 팀의 미래를 책임집니다.

We take responsibility for our team's future.

Collective 'we' as the subject.

6

그는 끝까지 책임을 지지 않았어요.

He did not take responsibility until the end.

Negative past tense.

7

이 구역의 안전은 제가 책임집니다.

I am responsible for the safety of this area.

Stating a professional role.

8

자신의 행동을 책임지는 법을 배우세요.

Learn how to take responsibility for your actions.

-는 법 (how to) noun phrase.

1

팀장으로서 모든 결과를 책임지기로 했습니다.

As the team leader, I decided to take responsibility for all results.

-기로 하다 (decide to) structure.

2

반려동물을 키우는 것은 생명을 책임지는 일입니다.

Raising a pet is a matter of taking responsibility for a life.

Gerund -는 것 as a subject.

3

그는 자신의 말에 책임질 줄 아는 사람이에요.

He is a person who knows how to take responsibility for his words.

-을 줄 알다 (know how to/be likely to).

4

회사는 직원의 안전을 책임질 의무가 있습니다.

The company has an obligation to take responsibility for employees' safety.

Noun modification: 책임질 의무.

5

어려운 상황에서도 끝까지 책임지는 모습이 보기 좋네요.

It's good to see you taking responsibility until the end even in difficult situations.

-는 모습 (the appearance/way of doing).

6

거짓말을 했다면 그 결과를 책임져야 할 거예요.

If you lied, you will have to take responsibility for the consequences.

Conditional -다면.

7

이 지역의 급식을 책임지는 곳은 어디인가요?

Where is the place responsible for the meals in this area?

Relative clause modifying '곳'.

8

과거의 선택을 책임지는 것은 어른의 도리입니다.

Taking responsibility for past choices is the duty of an adult.

Abstract noun '도리' (duty).

1

정부는 이번 경제 위기를 책임지고 대책을 마련해야 합니다.

The government must take responsibility for this economic crisis and prepare measures.

Compound sentence with -고.

2

법적으로 책임질 부분이 있는지 확인해 봅시다.

Let's check if there are any parts we are legally responsible for.

Adverbial '법적으로' (legally).

3

리더는 공을 나누고 과오를 책임지는 자리입니다.

A leader is a position where one shares credit and takes responsibility for errors.

Parallel structure with '나누고' and '책임지는'.

4

환경 오염에 대해 기업이 사회적 책임을 져야 한다는 목소리가 높습니다.

There are loud voices saying corporations should take social responsibility for environmental pollution.

Indirect quotation -는다는 목소리.

5

그는 책임을 지고 사표를 제출했습니다.

He took responsibility and submitted his resignation.

Idiomatic professional action.

6

자신의 삶을 스스로 책임지는 태도가 성공의 열쇠입니다.

An attitude of taking responsibility for one's own life is the key to success.

Reflexive '스스로' (by oneself).

7

누구에게도 책임을 전가하지 않고 스스로 책임지는 모습이 인상적입니다.

It is impressive to see him taking responsibility himself without shifting it to anyone else.

Contrast with '전가하다' (to shift/transfer).

8

이 제품의 품질은 저희 회사가 확실히 책임지겠습니다.

Our company will definitely take responsibility for the quality of this product.

Emphatic adverb '확실히'.

1

지식인은 사회의 어두운 면에 대해 도덕적 책임을 져야 합니다.

Intellectuals must bear moral responsibility for the dark sides of society.

Abstract concept '도덕적 책임'.

2

역사적 비극에 대해 누가 책임을 질 것인가에 대한 논쟁이 뜨겁습니다.

The debate over who will take responsibility for the historical tragedy is heated.

Complex noun phrase with '대한 논쟁'.

3

그는 자신의 철학을 행동으로 책임지는 진정한 예술가입니다.

He is a true artist who takes responsibility for his philosophy through his actions.

Metaphorical use of '책임지다'.

4

권한이 커질수록 책임져야 할 범위도 넓어지기 마련입니다.

As authority grows, the scope of responsibility naturally widens.

-기 마련이다 (it is bound to happen).

5

부실 경영에 대해 경영진이 무한 책임을 지는 자세가 필요합니다.

The management needs an attitude of taking unlimited responsibility for poor management.

Term '무한 책임' (unlimited liability).

6

그녀는 가문의 명예를 책임지기 위해 자신의 꿈을 포기했습니다.

She gave up her dreams to take responsibility for the family's honor.

-기 위해 (in order to).

7

우리는 다음 세대의 행복을 책임질 막중한 임무를 띠고 있습니다.

We carry the heavy duty of being responsible for the happiness of the next generation.

Collocation '임무를 띠다' (to bear a duty).

8

말 한마디가 천 냥 빚을 갚는다는 말처럼, 자신의 언행을 책임져야 합니다.

As the saying goes that a single word can repay a debt of a thousand nyang, one must be responsible for their words and actions.

Proverb integration.

1

존재의 무게를 책임지는 것은 인간이 직면한 가장 고독한 투쟁입니다.

Taking responsibility for the weight of existence is the loneliest struggle humans face.

Philosophical subject '존재의 무게'.

2

국가 권력은 국민의 생명과 안전을 책임지는 데 그 정당성이 있습니다.

The legitimacy of state power lies in taking responsibility for the lives and safety of the people.

Nominalizer -는 데 (in the act of).

3

시인은 시대의 아픔을 언어로 책임지는 자라고 할 수 있습니다.

A poet can be said to be one who takes responsibility for the pain of the era through language.

Definition structure '-라고 할 수 있다'.

4

기술의 진보가 가져올 예측 불가능한 결과까지 책임질 준비가 되었는가?

Are we prepared to take responsibility even for the unpredictable consequences that technological progress will bring?

Interrogative with '준비가 되었는가'.

5

그의 침묵은 책임을 회피하는 것이 아니라, 온몸으로 책임지는 방식이었다.

His silence was not an avoidance of responsibility, but a way of taking responsibility with his whole being.

Contrastive 'A가 아니라 B'.

6

법의 테두리를 넘어선 도의적 책임을 지는 행위는 숭고하기까지 합니다.

The act of taking moral responsibility beyond the boundaries of the law is even sublime.

-기까지 하다 (even go as far as).

7

인류의 역사는 책임을 지는 자와 전가하는 자 사이의 끊임없는 갈등의 기록입니다.

Human history is a record of constant conflict between those who take responsibility and those who shift it.

Complex noun modification.

8

자유에는 반드시 책임이 따르며, 그 책임을 지는 과정에서 인간은 성장합니다.

Freedom is always accompanied by responsibility, and humans grow in the process of taking that responsibility.

Conjunction -며 (and/while).

Common Collocations

끝까지 책임지다 (to take responsibility until the end)
전적으로 책임지다 (to take full responsibility)
책임지고 사퇴하다 (to resign taking responsibility)
법적 책임을 지다 (to be legally responsible)
도덕적 책임을 지다 (to bear moral responsibility)
결과를 책임지다 (to be responsible for the results)
가족을 책임지다 (to support a family)
생계를 책임지다 (to be responsible for a livelihood)
미래를 책임지다 (to be responsible for the future)
잘못을 책임지다 (to take responsibility for a mistake)

Common Phrases

내가 책임질게 (I'll take responsibility - casual)

책임질 수 있어요? (Can you take responsibility?)

책임지는 자세 (An attitude of taking responsibility)

무한 책임을 지다 (To take unlimited responsibility)

책임을 통감하다 (To deeply feel responsibility)

누가 책임지나요? (Who is responsible?)

책임지고 해결하다 (To take responsibility and solve)

말에 책임지다 (To stand by one's words)

행동에 책임지다 (To be responsible for actions)

책임을 지고 물러나다 (To step down taking responsibility)

Often Confused With

책임지다 vs 담당하다 (More about the role, less about the blame)

책임지다 vs 맡다 (More general 'taking on')

책임지다 vs 감당하다 (Focuses on the ability to handle the weight)

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

책임지다 vs

책임지다 vs

책임지다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It is more active than '책임이 있다'.

formality

Highly used in both formal and informal settings, but the ending changes the tone significantly.

Common Mistakes
  • Using -이/가 instead of -을/를 for the object.
  • Confusing with '지다' (to lose).
  • Using it for very minor, one-off actions without any consequence.
  • Forgetting honorifics in formal apologies.
  • Confusing '책임지다' with '감당하다'.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use the object particle -을/를 with the thing you are responsible for. This makes the sentence clear and grammatically correct. For example, '일을 책임지다' is correct. Avoid using other particles like -이/가 for the task.

The 'Face' Factor

In Korea, taking responsibility is often about saving or restoring 'face'. If you make a mistake, admitting it and saying '제가 책임지겠습니다' can actually increase your respect. It shows you value the group's harmony over your own ego. This is a key leadership trait.

Stronger Synonyms

If you want to sound more professional, use '전담하다' for 'solely responsible'. If you want to sound more capable, use '감당하다'. Knowing these variations helps you express the exact level of responsibility you mean. Use '책임지다' for the most general and powerful sense.

Tone of Voice

When you say '책임지겠습니다', use a firm and steady voice. This conveys confidence and reliability. If you sound hesitant, the listener might doubt your commitment. It's a word that requires a certain level of vocal 'weight'.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, pair '책임' with verbs like '통감하다' (to feel deeply) or '완수하다' (to fulfill). For example, '책임을 완수하다' means to fully carry out one's responsibility. This elevates your writing style significantly.

Drama Clues

In K-Dramas, when a character says '내가 책임질게', it's often a turning point. It shows they are stepping up to protect someone else. Listen for the emotional weight behind the phrase to understand the character's growth. It's a very 'heroic' verb.

Physical Association

Associate '책임지다' with the act of putting on a backpack. The backpack is the '책임' and the act of putting it on is '지다'. This physical metaphor is exactly what the word means in Korean. It helps you remember that it's an active process.

Don't Just 'Have' It

Don't just say '책임이 있어요' (I have responsibility) when you mean you will take action. Use '책임지다' to show you are actively doing something about it. '책임이 있다' is a passive state; '책임지다' is an active choice. Use the latter to sound more proactive.

Building Trust

Using '책임지다' in your interactions with Korean friends or colleagues builds trust. It signals that you are a '책임감 있는 사람' (responsible person). Even for small things like organizing a meetup, saying '제가 책임지고 장소를 정할게요' shows great initiative.

Hanja Power

Learning the Hanja 責 (chaek) and 任 (im) will help you understand dozens of other words. 責 is in '질책' (reprimand) and 任 is in '임무' (mission). This deepens your understanding of the 'demand' and 'trust' aspects of responsibility. It's a great way to expand your vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Chaek' (Check) and 'Im' (I'm). 'Check! I'm carrying it!' (책임지다). You are checking the task and saying 'I'm the one carrying it on my back.'

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Parents often feel they must '책임지다' for their children's success even into adulthood.

Taking responsibility for a subordinate's mistake is seen as a mark of a great leader.

A man saying '내가 책임질게' to a woman is a traditional, though now debated, way of expressing serious romantic intent.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"누가 이 프로젝트를 책임지고 있나요? (Who is taking responsibility for this project?)"

"자신의 행동을 책임지는 것이 왜 중요할까요? (Why is it important to take responsibility for one's actions?)"

"반려동물을 책임질 준비가 되셨나요? (Are you ready to take responsibility for a pet?)"

"누가 오늘 저녁 메뉴를 책임질 거예요? (Who is going to be responsible for tonight's dinner menu?)"

"리더가 책임을 지는 모습에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about a leader taking responsibility?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 책임졌던 일들에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the things you took responsibility for today.)

책임지기 힘들었던 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment when it was hard to take responsibility?)

내가 미래에 책임지고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요? (What is something you want to take responsibility for in the future?)

누군가 나를 대신해 책임을 졌던 경험이 있나요? (Have you had an experience where someone took responsibility for you?)

책임감 있는 사람이 되기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should one do to become a responsible person?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds more serious than '하다'. Use it when you want to show you are the one in charge of the result. For very trivial things, it might sound a bit dramatic. It's best for tasks that have a clear outcome.

담당하다 is 'to be in charge of' as a duty. 책임지다 is 'to take responsibility' for the outcome. A person can 담당 a task but fail to 책임 it if things go wrong. 책임지다 implies accountability.

You can say '제 책임이 아니에요' (It's not my responsibility) or '저는 책임이 없어요' (I have no responsibility). To say you won't take responsibility, use '책임지지 않겠습니다'.

Yes, '가족을 책임지다' means to support and take care of your family. It's a very common expression for breadwinners. It implies providing both financial and emotional support.

It means 'to take responsibility and resign.' This is a common phrase in Korean politics and business when a leader steps down because of a failure or scandal within their organization.

Absolutely. '자신의 삶을 책임지다' means to take ownership of your life and choices. It's a common theme in self-help and philosophical discussions in Korea.

The noun is '책임' (responsibility). You often see it in '책임감' (sense of responsibility). For example, '그는 책임감이 강해요' means 'He has a strong sense of responsibility.'

Traditionally, '내가 너를 평생 책임질게' (I will take responsibility for you for life) was used. While some find it old-fashioned, it still conveys a very strong, serious commitment to a partner's well-being.

It means 'legal responsibility' or 'liability.' You hear this in news reports about court cases or accidents where the law determines who must pay or be punished.

Generally, yes, as it shows integrity. However, '책임을 지우다' (to make someone take responsibility) can be negative if someone is being unfairly blamed or burdened.

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