Translation and Meaning of: 言い付ける - iitsukeru

If you have come across the Japanese word 言い付ける (いいつける) and are curious about its meaning, etymology, or how to use it in daily life, this article is for you. Here, we will explore everything from the origin of this verb to its practical use, including tips for memorization and interesting facts that make learning more engaging. In addition to understanding what "to tell," "to report," or "to order" means, you will discover how the kanji and context influence its meaning. And if you are studying with flashcards or programs like Anki, get ready to jot down useful examples!

Origin and etymology of 言い付ける

The word 言い付ける is composed of two kanjis: 言 (to say, to speak) and 付 (to attach, to assign). Together, they form a verb that carries the idea of "saying something to someone with a specific intention," whether it's an order, an accusation, or even a report. The root 言い comes from the verb 言う (to say), while 付ける adds the sense of "fixing" or "directing" speech to someone.

It's interesting to note that this construction is not exclusive to modern Japanese. In classical language, there were already records of similar expressions with the same kanji 付 being used to indicate actions that involve assigning something to someone. If you have studied words like 命令する (to order) or 告げる (to inform), you may notice that 言い付ける has a more direct and sometimes even authoritarian tone.

Everyday usage and nuances

In everyday life, the Japanese use 言い付ける in situations ranging from the workplace to informal conversations. Imagine a boss saying to a subordinate: 「この仕事を言い付けるよ」 ("I'm going to assign you this task"). Here, the verb takes on a tone of command but without necessarily being rude. In another context, like 「先生に言い付ける！」 ("I'm going to tell the teacher!"), the word takes on an air of threat or accusation.

A valuable tip to avoid confusion in usage is to pay attention to the tone of the sentence. If someone is clearly irritated and says 言い付けたぞ！, it may be a threat of retribution. On the other hand, in formal settings, the same verb can appear in sentences like 上司から言い付けられた仕事 ("task assigned by the boss"), showing that it does not always carry a negative connotation.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A fun way to remember 言い付ける is to associate the kanji 付 with something being "put" onto you — whether it's an order, an accusation, or a charge. The 言 clarifies that this comes through speech. If you enjoy creating mental stories, imagine someone pointing their finger and saying, "This is your fault!" — this scene perfectly matches the meaning of the word.

In the world of dramas and manga, 言い付ける often appears in scenes of confrontation or rigid hierarchy. If you've ever watched an episode of anime where the villain orders something from their subordinates, it's likely that you've heard a variation of this verb. So, can you recall any scene like that? If so, use that memory to firmly establish the term in your vocabulary!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 言い付ける

言い付ける - Positive present form
言い付けない - Present Negative Form
言い付けた - past form
言い付けるでしょう conditional form
言い付けてください - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

指示する (shiji suru) - give instructions
命じる (meijiru) - give orders, command
指令する (shirei suru) - say an instruction or command
命ずる (meizuru) - to give an order (more formal)
命令する (meirei suru) - issue an order
指図する (sashizu suru) - give directions or detailed instructions
指揮する (shiki suru) - conduct or command, especially in musical or military contexts
指導する (shidou suru) - to orient, guide or instruct
指し示す (sashi shimesu) - indicate or point out something specifically
指摘する (shiteki suru) - pointing out or highlighting a mistake or a flaw