お使い

おつかい
Alternative writings: お遣い, 御使い, 御遣い, お使, 御使
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

An errand; going out on a task to buy or deliver something (polite expression).

NounPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

母に頼まれて近所のスーパーへお使いに行った。

I went on an errand to the nearby supermarket at my mother's request.

子どもにお使いを頼むと、責任感が育つこともある。

Asking a child to run errands can help develop a sense of responsibility.

昼休みに銀行へお使いに行ってもらった。

I had someone run an errand to the bank during lunch break.

2

A messenger or bearer; a person sent to carry messages or items (polite term).

NounPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

王の命令を伝えるためにお使いが村へ向かった。

A messenger was sent to the village to deliver the king's orders.

会社で急にお使いを頼まれて外出した。

I was suddenly asked to run an errand at the company and went out.

3

In religious or folk contexts, a familiar or spirit that serves someone or acts as a messenger (honorific usage: 御使い).

NounPolite (Teineigo) LanguageHonorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) Language

Examples

昔話の中には、神の御使いが人間を助ける話が多い。

In folktales, there are many stories where a divine messenger helps humans.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Derivations