Japanese word

担う

Pronunciation

Romajininau

Meaning

  • verbtake on

Example

彼は新しい役割を担います。kare wa atara shi i yaku wari o nina i ma su

He takes on a new role.

Illustration for 担う (take on)

More examples

地域の未来を担う若者を応援します。chi iki no mi rai o nina u waka mono o ō en shi ma su

We support young people who will shape the future of the community.

Core concept

Centers on accepting and carrying a role or responsibility, as if bearing its weight.

Common phrases

  • 役割を担うyaku wari o nina u

    take on a role

  • 責任を担うseki nin o nina u

    shoulder responsibility

  • 一翼を担うichi yoku o nina u

    play a part

Similar words

引き受けるhikiukeru: To accept a task, role, or responsibility and take charge of it.
背負うseou: To carry a serious responsibility or burden as part of one's role.
受け持つukemotsu: To take charge of an assigned task, area, or position.
負うou: To be responsible for a duty, expense, or result.

Definition in Japanese

役割や責任を引き受けて、果たす立場になること。yaku wari ya seki nin o hi ki u ke te ha ta su tachi ba ni na ru ko to

Word origin

担う (ninau, "to bear") is a native Japanese verb formed from 荷 (ni, "load") and 負う (ou, "to bear"), linking responsibility with carrying a burden.

Usage tips

  • In formal speech, 担う (ninau) often describes a person or group that carries responsibility for a role, task, or future, so it sounds broader than simply accepting a job.

Other meanings

  • carry on one's shoulderverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 担い手ninaitebearernoun

Word lists with this word