responsable

Responsable is a term used in French to express accountability and authority. As an adjective, it describes someone or something that is accountable for actions, duties, or outcomes, as in 'une démarche responsable' or 'il est responsable de l’erreur.' As a noun, it designates a person in charge or an administrator, for example 'le responsable des ventes' or 'la responsable sécurité.' The noun form is gendered: un responsable, une responsable.

Etymology and sense: The word derives from Latin responsabilis through Old French, indicating liability and accountability. In legal and civil contexts, 'être responsable' means being answerable for one's conduct or for a domain of responsibility.

Usage and roles: In workplaces and public institutions, 'responsable' appears in many job titles, such as 'responsable qualité' (quality manager), 'responsable sécurité' (safety officer), or 'responsable des ressources humaines.' In ordinary usage, it can also emphasize prudent, ethical, or responsible behavior, as in 'un comportement responsable.'

Cross-language notes: Spanish uses 'responsable' both as an adjective and a noun meaning the person in charge ('el/la responsable'), with gender variation similar to French. The term appears in other Romance languages with equivalent meanings.

See also: responsibility, accountability, duty.