1.
self-responsibility; personal responsibility; at one's own risk
The principle that individuals bear responsibility for the consequences of their own choices and actions, rather than relying on others or institutions to protect them from negative outcomes.
投資は自己責任です。
Investing is at your own risk.
ここから先は自己責任でお願いします。
Beyond this point, proceed at your own risk.
海外で危険な地域に行くのは自己責任だという意見もある。
There are also opinions that traveling to dangerous areas overseas is a matter of personal responsibility.
A compound of 自己 (self) and 責任 (responsibility). This concept became a major topic of public debate in Japan in 2004 when Japanese citizens were taken hostage in Iraq, and critics argued they should bear the consequences of traveling to a war zone.
USAGE:
Commonly seen in investment disclaimers, legal warnings, and discussions about personal accountability. Often used adverbially with で: 自己責任で (at one's own risk). The term can carry a blaming nuance when directed at others.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自己責任で行う — to do at one's own risk
- 自己責任原則 — principle of self-responsibility
- 自己責任論 — self-responsibility argument
- 自己責任を問う — to hold someone personally responsible
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 責任 — responsibility (general)
- 自業自得 — reaping what you sow (stronger negative nuance)
- 連帯責任 — collective responsibility (opposite concept)