Translation and Meaning of: お使い - otsukai

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word お使い[おつかい]. This expression has a specific meaning and an interesting everyday use that reflects aspects of family and social life in Japan. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to learn more terms like this, Suki Nihongo is a great option.

What does お使い [おつかい] mean?

The word お使い[おつかい] is used to refer to a quick errand or task, usually related to shopping or deliveries. In a family context, it's common to hear parents asking their children to "do an おつかい," such as going to the convenience store to buy bread or milk. This expression carries a warm and everyday tone, being very present in communication among family members.

It is worth noting that the prefix お (o) is an honorific that demonstrates respect or politeness, giving the word a lighter and more educated tone. Therefore, おつかい is used more frequently than just つかい in informal situations. Its use is so common that it often appears in animes, dramas, and even in everyday conversations in Japan.

Origin and cultural use of おつかい

The origin of おつかい is linked to the verb 使う (tsukau), which means "to use" or "to send someone on a task". Over time, the honorific form お使い began to be used to refer to small household tasks, especially when delegated to children. This practice is seen as a way to teach responsibility from an early age in Japanese culture.

In many Japanese neighborhoods, it is common to see children doing おつかい by themselves, going to local markets or small shops. This tradition reflects the safety and trust present in smaller communities, where the stores know the residents and parents feel at ease letting their children carry out these tasks.

How to memorize and use おつかい in daily life

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with practical situations. If you have watched an anime like "Chibi Maruko-chan" or "Doraemon," you have probably seen scenes where the main characters are sent to do an おつかい. These references help to anchor the term in a natural way.

Another way to practice is to create simple sentences, such as "今日、スーパーにおつかいに行きました" (Today, I went on an errand to the supermarket). Repeating these structures in real contexts makes assimilation easier. Moreover, noting the word in an app like Anki with usage examples can be helpful for daily reviews.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

買い物 (Kaimono) - Purchase or acquired goods
依頼 (Irai) - Request or order
依頼品 (Iraihin) - Requested item
送り物 (Okurimono) - Present or item sent
使い物 (Tsukaimono) - Object used for a specific purpose
使い走り (Tsukaihashiri) - Running errands or tasks
使い走りする (Tsukaihashiri suru) - Carry out tasks or errands
使い走る (Tsukaihasuru) - Act quickly to complete a task
使い送り (Tsukaiokuri) - Sending items for use
使い送る (Tsukaiokuru) - Send a item to be used
使い付け (Tsukitsuke) - Application or use of a item
使い付ける (Tsukitsukeru) - Put into use or apply
使い捨て (Tsukaisute) - Disposable; intended for single use
使い捨てる (Tsukaisuteru) - Discard after use
使い回し (Tsukaimawashi) - Frequent or multiple use of a item
使い回す (Tsukaimawasu) - Reuse or alternate the use of items
使い分け (Tsukaiwake) - Differentiation in the use of items according to necessity
使い分ける (Tsukaiwakeru) - Choose and use items according to the situation.