Japanese word

負う

Pronunciation

Romajiou

Meaning

  • verbbear

Example

私は責任を負います。watashi wa seki nin o o i ma su

I bear responsibility.

Illustration for 負う (bear)

More examples

問題が起きたら、私が負います。mon dai ga o ki ta ra watashi ga o i ma su

If a problem occurs, I will take responsibility.

Core concept

The verb 負う (ō) centers on taking a burden onto oneself, whether the burden is physical or a responsibility.

Common phrases

  • 責任を負うseki nin o o u

    bear responsibility

Similar words

引き受けるhikiukeru: To accept responsibility for a task, problem, or result.
背負うseou: To carry a heavy burden or responsibility over time.
被るkaburu: To suffer harm, loss, or another unwanted effect.

Definition in Japanese

責任や役目などを引き受けて担うこと。seki nin ya yaku me na do o hi ki u ke te nina u ko to

Word origin

The native verb 負う (ō) has the older form 負ふ (ō), whose concrete sense of carrying a load on the back extended to bearing a duty.

Usage tips

  • In news and formal speech, 負う (ō) often describes responsibility or damage that remains with a person or organization.

Other meanings

  • carry on one's backverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word