Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '책임' (chaekim) means 'responsibility' or 'duty'. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate accountability for actions, tasks, or roles.
Common Collocations
- 책임을 지다: to take responsibility or be accountable
- 책임이 있다/없다: to have or not have responsibility
- 책임감: a sense of responsibility
Usage Notes
When using '책임', speakers often imply an obligation to act or answer for something. It is frequently used in workplace, legal, and social contexts.
A common learner mistake is confusing '책임' with '의무' (duty/obligation). While related, '책임' emphasizes accountability, whereas '의무' focuses more on the obligation itself.
Formality
'책임' is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal speech, but it often appears in formal discussions about roles and duties.