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A small, focused child carefully waters a single potted green plant using a tiny red watering can, symbolizing the commitment required for responsibility.

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHD

nounfB2
responsibility?The state of being accountable,duty?A specific task or obligation
Also:accountability?When a person must answer for their actions,liability?Legal or financial obligation

📝 In Action

La responsabilidad de cuidar a mi hermana es muy grande.

B1

The responsibility of taking care of my sister is very great.

Asume la responsabilidad por tus errores.

B2

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

El director evitó toda responsabilidad sobre el proyecto fallido.

C1

The director avoided all accountability for the failed project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • obligación (obligation)
  • deber (duty)
  • compromiso (commitment)

Antonyms

  • irresponsabilidad (irresponsibility)
  • negligencia (negligence)

Common Collocations

  • asumir la responsabilidad – to take/assume responsibility
  • sentido de la responsabilidad – sense of responsibility
  • eludir la responsabilidad – to shirk/avoid responsibility

Idioms & Expressions

  • echar la responsabilidad a alguien – to pin the blame on someone else

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'responsabilidad' is always a female word, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la responsabilidad'.

Prepositions with Responsibility

When talking about the thing you are responsible for, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo la responsabilidad de limpiar' (I have the responsibility to clean).

❌ Common Pitfalls

False Cognate Confusion

Mistake: "Decir 'Tengo responsibilidad' (Missing the 'a')."

Correction: The correct spelling is 'responsabilidad' (note the 'a' after the 's'), which is a bit different from the English word.

⭐ Usage Tips

Key Verb: Asumir

The most common and natural verb used with 'responsabilidad' is 'asumir' (to assume/take on). Use 'Asumo la responsabilidad' instead of 'Tomo la responsabilidad' for a more formal or professional sound.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: responsabilidad

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is typically used to talk about accepting a duty?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

responsable(responsible) - adjective
responder(to answer/respond) - verb
irresponsable(irresponsible) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'responsabilidad' a formal word, or can I use it with friends?

'Responsabilidad' is a neutral word. While it is often used in professional or serious contexts, it is perfectly normal and very common to use it in everyday conversation about chores, family duties, or promises to friends.

How do I use the corresponding adjective?

The adjective is 'responsable' (responsible). It doesn't change based on gender, so you say 'el chico responsable' and 'la chica responsable'.