Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
责任 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
责任zérènresponsibilityHSK 4, n, rank #1140, Medium
责任zérènblameHSK 4, n, rank #1140, Medium
责任zérèndutyHSK 4, n, rank #1140, Medium
责任zérèn>个[gè]HSK 4, n, rank #1140, Medium
zérèn(ze2ren4) T2
  1. 1responsibility
  2. 2blame
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
责任(責任)zérèn(ze2ren4)

责任 (zérèn) refers to the concept of responsibility or duty that one has towards others or oneself. It often implies a moral or ethical obligation, and can be used in both personal and professional contexts. Understanding this term is crucial for discussing accountability in various situations, such as work, family, and social roles.

Frequency#1140DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 责任 is deeply tied to Confucian values, where fulfilling one's responsibilities to family and society is paramount. This reflects the importance of harmony and collective well-being in social relationships.

Memory Tip

Think of 责 (zé) as a 'seal' that signifies a burden, while 任 (rèn) sounds like 'run,' reminding you to run towards your responsibilities. Imagine a seal balancing a weight on its nose, symbolizing how we must carry our responsibilities with grace.

Meanings of 责任

zérèn(ze2ren4)
1responsibility
2blame
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 责任

责任Simplified
責任Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1140Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 责任

JasonAmy

Podcast: 责任

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 责任

Quick Contrast

义务 (yìwù) vs 责任 (zérèn): use 责任 when emphasizing moral accountability, while 义务 focuses more on legal or formal obligations.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 责 (zé) as a 'seal' that signifies a burden, while 任 (rèn) sounds like 'run,' reminding you to run towards your responsibilities. Imagine a seal balancing a weight on its nose, symbolizing how we must carry our responsibilities with grace.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 责任 (zérèn) with similar words like 义务 (yìwù), which means obligation but lacks the same moral weight. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but is especially prevalent in discussions around work ethics and personal accountability. Pay attention to the tonal distinction; the second tone is rising, while the fourth tone is falling.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 责任 connects well with other vocabulary about work and social roles, such as 职责 (zhízé) meaning 'duty' or 'function.' Students should focus on using it in sentences related to their responsibilities in various contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 责任 is deeply tied to Confucian values, where fulfilling one's responsibilities to family and society is paramount. This reflects the importance of harmony and collective well-being in social relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 责任 with the word 责任心 (zérèn xīn), which means 'sense of responsibility.' For example, saying '我有责任心' (Wǒ yǒu zérèn xīn) is correct, while using '我有责任' (Wǒ yǒu zérèn) in a context where 'sense of responsibility' is meant can lead to confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 责任

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 责任 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

责zéduty
HSK 48 strokes贝
View full entry
任rènto assign
HSK 76 strokes亻
View full entry

Write 责任

责
任

Practice writing 责任 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 责任

责任 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons4
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

这就是说，____不在你，你千万不要怪自己。

What this means is that the responsibility is not on you — you must not blame yourself.

Example Sentences for 责任 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果我对此不做点儿什么，就是不负责任。

rú guǒ wǒ duì cǐ bù zuò diǎn ér shí mó， ， jiù shì bù fù zé。

I would be remiss if I did not do some-thing about it.
2
我告诉他，如果他退出，责任自负。

wǒ gào sù tā， ， rú guǒ tā tuì， chū ， zé rèn。

I told him if he withdrew it was on his own account.
3
我觉得应为我们遭遇的问题负部分责任。

wǒ jué dé yīng wéi wǒ mén zāo yù de wèn tí fù bù fēn zé rèn。

I feel partly responsible for the problems we're in.
4
学校对你的孩子负有法律上的安全责任。

xué xiào duì nǐ de hái zǐ fù yǒu fǎ lǜ shàng de ān quán zé rèn。

The school is legally responsible for your child's safety.
5
我认为写信向你表达谢意是我的责任。

wǒ rèn wéi xiě xìn xiàng nǐ biǎo dá xiè yì shì wǒ de zé rèn。

I consider it my duty to write to you and thank you.
6
我肩负特殊责任，必须确保自己作出的决定是正确的。

wǒ jiān fù tè shū zé rèn， ， bì xū què bǎo zì jǐ zuò chū de jué dìng shì zhèng què。

I have a particular responsibility to ensure I make the right decision.
7
我们必须帮助我们的教友，这是我们的责任。

wǒ mén bì xū bāng zhù wǒ mén de jiào yǒu， ， zhè shì wǒ mén de zé。

We must help our brethren, it is our duty.
8
我不觉得这是负担；我觉得它是一种责任。

wǒ bù jué dé zhè shì fù dān； ； wǒ jué dé tā shì yī zhǒng zé。

I wouldn't call it a burden; I call it a responsibility.
9
她称他的话不负责任、具煽动性且极端无礼。

tā chēng tā de huà bù fù zé rèn、 、 jù shān dòng xìng qiě jí duān wú。

She described his remarks as irresponsible, inflammatory and outrageous.
10
停车场场主有保护停放车辆的法律责任。

tíng chē cháng cháng zhǔ yǒu bǎo hù tíng fàng chē liàng de fǎ lǜ zé rèn。

Car park owners should be legally responsible for protecting vehicles.

Cultural Notes for 责任

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 责任 is deeply tied to Confucian values, where fulfilling one's responsibilities to family and society is paramount. This reflects the importance of harmony and collective well-being in social relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about 责任

You can say, '我有责任照顾家人' (Wǒ yǒu zérèn zhàogù jiārén), meaning 'I have the responsibility to take care of my family.'