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日本語
responsibility in Japanese: 責任
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responsibility
引数
町
ヒント
責任
解析
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neutral
very common
Usage
The word 責任 is commonly used in both personal and professional settings among native Japanese speakers. For instance, during a business meeting, when discussing project outcomes, one might say '私たちの責任です' (It's our responsibility), emphasizing accountability. Additionally, in family dynamics, a parent might use it to teach children about their duties, stating 'あなたの責任を果たしなさい' (You need to fulfill your responsibilities).
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 役割 (yakuwari), which means 'role' or 'function.' While 責任 emphasizes accountability and obligation, 役割 focuses more on one's designated function within a group. You would choose 責任 when discussing accountability, whereas 役割 is more appropriate in contexts that involve specific tasks or roles.
Culture
The word 責任 has deep cultural roots in Japan, reflecting the strong sense of duty (義務, gimu) that permeates Japanese society. It evolved from the necessity of community harmony, where individual actions impact the collective. This concept can be seen in practices like 'wa' (和), which emphasizes group cohesiveness and the importance of each person's role in maintaining it.
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