Translation guide
The English word "liability" has two main meanings: a legal or financial obligation, and a person or thing that causes trouble or disadvantage. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
To express a debt, responsibility, or obligation, especially in legal or business contexts.
To describe someone or something that is a disadvantage or burden.
Literally 'baggage', used figuratively to mean a burden or liability. Common in casual speech.
The English word 'liability' is often used figuratively for a troublesome person. In Japanese, avoid literal translations like 責任者 (responsible person) or 負債者 (debtor) in this context; use idiomatic expressions like お荷物 or 足手まとい instead.
The company's liabilities are increasing.
Refers to an obligation or debt, often used in legal or contractual contexts.
彼は債務を返済しなければならない。
He must repay his liabilities.
Means responsibility or liability in a broader sense, including legal liability.
事故の責任は運転手にある。
The liability for the accident lies with the driver.
彼はチームのお荷物だ。
He's a liability to the team.
Means a hindrance or encumbrance, often used for a person who slows others down.
彼は足手まといになるだけだ。
He'll just be a liability.
A troublesome person; a burden. Slightly stronger than お荷物.
彼は家族の厄介者だ。
He's a liability to his family.
Means burden or load, can be used for a person or thing that is a liability, but more commonly for financial or physical burdens.
そのプロジェクトは会社の負担になった。
The project became a liability for the company.