Inklingo

How to Say "responsibility" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “responsibility” is “obligación” — use this when referring to a duty that is expected or legally required, something you *must* do..

obligaciónA2

Use this when referring to a duty that is expected or legally required, something you *must* do.

{ui.learnMore}
responsabilidad🔊B2

This is the most direct translation for the state of being accountable for something or someone, often implying a significant burden or role.

{ui.learnMore}
compromiso🔊A2

Use this when 'responsibility' implies a strong commitment, a pledge, or a promise to undertake a task.

{ui.learnMore}
cargo🔊B1

This word refers to a specific position or role that comes with defined duties and responsibilities, like a job title.

{ui.learnMore}
hombro🔊B1

Use this figurative term when 'responsibility' means a heavy burden or a difficult duty that you have to bear.

{ui.learnMore}
incumbencia🔊B2

This applies when 'responsibility' refers to a matter that falls within your area of duty or concern, often used in the negative to state something is not your business.

{ui.learnMore}
cuenta🔊B1

This translation is used specifically in idiomatic phrases like 'perder la cuenta' (to lose count), referring to keeping track or tallying something.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

obligación

nounA2general
Use this when referring to a duty that is expected or legally required, something you *must* do.

Examples

Pagar los impuestos es una obligación legal para todos.

Paying taxes is a legal obligation for everyone.

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHD/res.pon.sa.βi.liˈðað/

nounB2general
This is the most direct translation for the state of being accountable for something or someone, often implying a significant burden or 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

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.

compromiso

kom-proh-MEE-soh/kom.pɾoˈmi.so/

nounA2general
Use this when 'responsibility' implies a strong commitment, a pledge, or a promise to undertake a task.
A person carefully watering a small, vibrant green sapling planted in fertile ground, symbolizing dedication and commitment to growth.

Examples

Mi compromiso con este trabajo es total.

My commitment to this job is total.

Lo siento, no puedo ir, tengo un compromiso familiar esta noche.

I'm sorry, I can't go, I have a family obligation tonight.

Adquirimos el compromiso de reducir los residuos plásticos.

We took on the commitment to reduce plastic waste.

Using 'con' for commitment

When expressing commitment to something, Spanish often uses the preposition 'con' (with) instead of 'a' (to): 'Mi compromiso con la causa'.

Confusing 'Compromiso' and 'Compromising'

Mistake: “Using 'compromiso' to mean 'embarrassment' or 'awkward situation'.”

Correction: Use 'vergüenza' or 'situación incómoda' instead. 'Compromiso' is strictly about duty or promise.

cargo

/KAR-go//ˈkaɾɣo/

nounB1formal
This word refers to a specific position or role that comes with defined duties and responsibilities, like a job title.
A professional woman sitting confidently behind a large, clean wooden desk in a bright office, symbolizing a leadership position.

Examples

Ella aceptó el cargo de directora general.

She accepted the position of general director.

Es un cargo con mucha responsabilidad.

It's a position with a lot of responsibility.

Dimitió de su cargo político el mes pasado.

He resigned from his political office last month.

hombro

OHM-broh/ˈombɾo/

nounB1figurative
Use this figurative term when 'responsibility' means a heavy burden or a difficult duty that you have to bear.
A small, determined person carrying a large, heavy wooden crate on their shoulder, symbolizing responsibility or burden.

Examples

Tuve que cargar con el hombro de toda la organización.

I had to bear the responsibility for the entire organization.

Siempre puedes contar con mi hombro para llorar.

You can always count on my shoulder to cry on (for support).

Figurative Use

When 'hombro' is used figuratively, it usually appears in set phrases like 'cargar con el hombro' (to carry the burden) or 'prestar el hombro' (to offer support). These phrases treat the shoulder as a symbol of strength or aid.

incumbencia

/een-koom-BEN-syah//iŋkumˈbenθja/

nounB2formal
This applies when 'responsibility' refers to a matter that falls within your area of duty or concern, often used in the negative to state something is not your business.
A gardener carefully watering a small, vibrant green plant in a pot.

Examples

Ese asunto no es de mi incumbencia.

That matter is none of my concern.

La educación de los hijos es incumbencia de los padres.

The education of children is the parents' responsibility.

Eso queda fuera de tu incumbencia profesional.

That falls outside of your professional duties.

Using 'de' for Belonging

This word is almost always used with the word 'de' (of) to show who the responsibility belongs to, like 'es de mi incumbencia' (it is of my concern).

Don't use 'negocio' for 'business'

Mistake: “Using 'no es mi negocio' to say 'it's none of my business.'”

Correction: Say 'no es de mi incumbencia' or 'no es asunto mío'. 'Negocio' usually refers to a shop or a commercial deal.

cuenta

/KWEN-tah//ˈkwenta/

nounB1idiomatic
This translation is used specifically in idiomatic phrases like 'perder la cuenta' (to lose count), referring to keeping track or tallying something.
A whimsical character counting a large, disorganized pile of colorful wooden blocks.

Examples

He perdido la cuenta de cuántas veces te lo he dicho.

I've lost count of how many times I've told you.

Según mis cuentas, nos deben dinero.

According to my calculations, they owe us money.

La cena corre por mi cuenta.

Dinner is on me (my responsibility).

The Super-Phrase: 'Darse Cuenta de'

This phrase is incredibly common and means 'to realize'. Remember the little word 'de' that often comes after it. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que no tenía mis llaves.' (I realized that I didn't have my keys.)

Realize vs. Realizar

Mistake: “'Realicé que era tarde.'”

Correction: 'Me di cuenta de que era tarde.' 'Realizar' looks like 'realize', but it actually means 'to carry out' or 'to make real'. To say 'I realize', always use 'me doy cuenta'.

Obligación vs. Responsabilidad

Learners often confuse 'obligación' and 'responsabilidad'. 'Obligación' implies a requirement or a must-do task, often external (like taxes). 'Responsabilidad' is broader, covering the state of being accountable and the inherent duties that come with a role or situation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.