Inklingo

How to Say "accountability" in Spanish

English → Spanish

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHDres.pon.sa.βi.liˈðað

nounB2general
Use 'responsabilidad' when referring to the general duty or obligation a person has to answer for their actions or fulfill a role.
A small, focused child carefully waters a single potted green plant using a tiny red watering can, symbolizing the commitment required for responsibility.

Examples

El director tiene la responsabilidad de los resultados del equipo.

The director has the responsibility for the team's results.

La responsabilidad de cuidar a mi hermana es muy grande.

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

Asume la responsabilidad por tus errores.

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

El director evitó toda responsabilidad sobre el proyecto fallido.

The director avoided all accountability for the failed project.

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).

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.

rendición

nounC1formal, administrative, political
Use 'rendición' specifically when the focus is on the formal act of explaining or justifying one's actions, decisions, or the use of resources, often to a higher authority or the public.

Examples

Se exige una rendición de cuentas clara sobre el uso de fondos públicos.

Clear accountability regarding the use of public funds is required.

Choosing between 'responsabilidad' and 'rendición'

Learners often confuse these by using 'responsabilidad' when a formal report or explanation is needed. Remember that 'responsabilidad' is about the *state* of being responsible, while 'rendición' is about the *act* of explaining or reporting on that responsibility.

Related Translations

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