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How to Say "responsible" in Spanish

English → Spanish

responsable

reh-spon-SAH-bleh/res.ponˈsa.βle/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when referring to someone who has duties, obligations, or is generally dependable and reliable.
A young girl in a yellow apron carefully waters a small potted plant, demonstrating responsibility for a chore.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy responsable con su trabajo.

My brother is very responsible with his job.

Mi hermana es muy responsable con su trabajo.

My sister is very responsible with her job.

Necesitamos un líder que sea responsable de las finanzas.

We need a leader who is accountable for the finances.

Él no fue responsable del accidente, solo estaba allí.

He was not responsible for the accident; he was just there.

Gender Doesn't Change

Since 'responsable' ends in -e, it is used for both men and women. You only need to make it plural: 'El chico responsable,' 'La chica responsable,' 'Los chicos responsables.'

Use with SER

Always use the verb 'ser' (to be) when talking about responsibility as a permanent characteristic or a fixed role: 'Ella es responsable' (She is a responsible person).

Adding an 'a' for female

Mistake: “Mi jefa es responsabilA.”

Correction: Mi jefa es responsable. (Do not change the ending 'e' to 'a' based on gender.)

encargado

en-car-GAH-doh/eŋkaɾˈɣaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this when someone has been assigned a specific task or duty and is in charge of it.
A determined person standing next to a large, ornate wooden chest, holding a single oversized key, symbolizing being in charge of a duty.

Examples

Él está encargado de organizar la fiesta de fin de año.

He is in charge of organizing the end-of-year party.

La secretaria está encargada de responder las llamadas.

The secretary is responsible for answering the calls.

Fuimos encargados de proteger la documentación secreta.

We were commissioned to protect the secret documentation.

Agreement with 'Ser' or 'Estar'

When used as an adjective, 'encargado' must agree in number and gender with the person or thing it describes (e.g., 'ellos están encargados', 'ella está encargada').

The Preposition 'De'

The phrase 'estar encargado' is always followed by the preposition 'de' (of/for) to introduce the task or item being managed.

Missing 'De'

Mistake: “Estoy encargado organizar la reunión.”

Correction: Estoy encargado *de* organizar la reunión. (Always use 'de' after 'encargado' when introducing the duty.)

culpable

/kool-PAH-bleh//kulˈpable/

adjectiveA2legal/formal
Use this when referring to someone who is guilty or at fault for a negative event or mistake.
A simple cartoon figure standing alone, looking down with a deeply ashamed and guilty expression, with shoulders slumped.

Examples

El jurado lo declaró culpable después de dos horas de deliberación.

The jury declared him guilty after two hours of deliberation.

Me siento culpable por haberme comido todo el pastel.

I feel guilty for having eaten the whole cake.

Si no estudias, serás culpable de tu propio fracaso.

If you don't study, you will be responsible for your own failure.

Gender is Easy

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'culpable' does not change its ending to match masculine or feminine nouns. You use 'el hombre culpable' and 'la mujer culpable'.

Connecting the Blame

Mistake: “Soy culpable para el error. (Incorrect use of 'para')”

Correction: Soy culpable del error. (The word needs the preposition 'de' when you specify what the guilt is about. 'De' + 'el' becomes 'del'.)

Dependable vs. In Charge

Learners often confuse 'responsable' (dependable) with 'encargado' (in charge of a task). Remember, 'responsable' describes a general trait of reliability, while 'encargado' specifically means assigned to manage something.

Related Translations

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