The Kanji: 責 (Seki / Se)
The kanji 責 means "responsibility," "blame," or "to condemn." It combines 朿 (thorn) with 貝 (shell currency), originally depicting pressing debt obligations. This character represents both accountable duties and critical demands.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 責任 (sekinin) - Responsibility
自分の行動に責任を持つ。
"Take responsibility for your actions."
2. 責める (semeru) - To blame
失敗を責めないで。
"Don't blame the failure."
3. 職責 (shokuseki) - Official duty
部長としての職責を果たす。
"Fulfill departmental leadership duties."
4. 責任者 (sekininsha) - Person in charge
プロジェクトの責任者に指名される。
"Be appointed project manager."
In summary, 責 encompasses obligation and accountability - from personal duties (責任) and professional roles (職責) to assigning fault (責める) and designated authority (責任者). It's fundamental to social and professional hierarchies.