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JapanLingo

responsibility / entrust

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
6
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a standing figure carrying a beam across the shoulders with one weight balanced on top, with the kanji 任 ("responsibility") drawn into the picture.

Break 任 down and you get 亻 (person) — a person standing at the left of the scene, and beside it 壬 (bear a burden) — a stand with one extra weight balanced carefully across the top. Picture a standing figure carrying a beam across the shoulders with one weight balanced on top, put 任 inside it, and let that scene stand for "responsibility" — responsibility / entrust. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 6

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

makaseru

to entrust

chakunin

assumption of office

funin

proceeding to a new post

ichinin

leaving entirely (to someone)

shuunin

taking office

jinin

resignation (from post)

Example sentences (2)

kono shigoto wa watashi ni makasete kudasai.

Please leave this job to me.

zenbu hitori de yaranaide, dekiru tokoro wa kouhai ni makasemashou.

Rather than doing it all alone, let us entrust what we can to junior staff.