引き受ける

• Reading: ひきうける
• Romaji: hikiukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw; 受 (ju/u) — receive, accept
• Pronunciation: /hi.ki.ɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To take on; to undertake; to accept responsibility for. Agreeing to handle a task or duty.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. A compound verb from 引く (pull) and 受ける (receive). Used for accepting work (仕事を引き受ける), tasks, and requests. Implies willingness to bear the responsibility, not just passive acceptance.

Examples

1. その仕事を引き受けることにしました。 I decided to take on that job.
2. 友達の頼みを引き受けてしまった。 I ended up accepting my friend's request.
3. 誰も引き受けないので私がやります。 Nobody else would take it on, so I'll do it.

Usage Guide

Context: business, daily life, requests

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound verb from 引く (to pull) and 受ける (to receive). Literally means to pull in and accept — to take responsibility upon oneself.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal