責任を適当にこなす (sekinin o tekitoo ni konasu - to handle responsibilities loosely/appropriately)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
The phrase is formed by the noun 責任 ('responsibility'), the direct object marker を, the adverbial form of the na-adjective 適当 ('suitably' or colloquial 'perfunctorily/casually'), and the godan verb こなす ('to handle/manage'). It describes carrying out obligations either adequately or merely doing the bare minimum to get by. It typically functions as a predicate in a sentence.
Sample sentences
彼はいつも自分の責任を適当にこなして帰宅する。
He always just gets through his responsibilities perfunctorily and goes home.
新入社員のうちは、与えられた責任を適当にこなすのではなく、全力で取り組むべきだ。
As a new employee, rather than just casually handling your assigned responsibilities, you should tackle them with full effort.
完璧を目指さず、責任を適当にこなすくらいが精神衛生上ちょうどいいこともある。
Sometimes, for the sake of mental health, it is best not to aim for perfection and just manage your responsibilities reasonably well.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
彼はいつも自分の責任を適当にこなして帰宅する。
He always just gets through his responsibilities perfunctorily and goes home.
新入社員のうちは、与えられた責任を適当にこなすのではなく、全力で取り組むべきだ。
As a new employee, rather than just casually handling your assigned responsibilities, you should tackle them with full effort.
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