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B1 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

預ける

azukeru Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 預ける in 30 Seconds

Explanation 預ける in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'azukeru' as a word for travel. Think of it as 'to leave' your bag. When you go to a hotel in Japan, you might want to walk around without your heavy suitcase. You can say 'Nimotsu, azukete mo ii desu ka?' (Can I leave my luggage?). This is a very helpful phrase! At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar. Just remember that 'azukeru' means you are giving something to a person (like a hotel clerk) so they can keep it safe for you for a short time. You will see this word at airports and train stations. It is a very polite and useful word to know when you are a tourist. Just remember: you give the bag, you use 'azukeru'. If the clerk takes the bag, they use a different word. Focus on the 'I give for safety' meaning. Practice saying 'Nimotsu o azukemasu' (I will leave my luggage). This simple sentence will help you in many situations across Japan.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'azukeru' in more daily situations beyond just travel. For example, you can use it for money at the bank: 'Ginkou ni okane o azukeru' (to deposit/leave money at the bank). You should also learn the basic grammar pattern: [Person/Place] ni [Object] o azukeru. The particle 'ni' is very important here because it shows who is taking care of your things. You might also use it for pets, like 'Petto hoteru ni inu o azukeru' (to leave the dog at a pet hotel). At this level, you should also be aware of the word 'azukaru' (to look after). While 'azukeru' is what YOU do when you give the item, 'azukaru' is what the OTHER person does. If your friend asks you to watch their bag, they are 'azukeru'-ing it to you, and you are 'azukaru'-ing it. Try to make short sentences about things you might leave with friends or at shops, like umbrellas or coats.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'azukeru' in various contexts, including professional and childcare situations. You should understand that 'azukeru' implies a temporary transfer of responsibility. For example, 'Kodomo o hoikuen ni azukeru' (to leave a child at daycare) is a very common phrase. You should also be able to use the potential form 'azukerareru' (can entrust) and the negative form 'azukenai' (do not entrust). At this level, you can start using 'azukeru' for more abstract things, like 'mi o azukeru' (to lean your body against something or to entrust yourself to someone). You should also be able to distinguish 'azukeru' from 'makaseru' (to delegate a task). While 'azukeru' is about physical or custodial care, 'makaseru' is about giving someone the authority to make decisions. For example, you 'azukeru' your car to a mechanic for repairs, but you 'makaseru' the choice of parts to them. Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

At the B2 level, you should master the social and formal nuances of 'azukeru'. You will encounter this verb in business contexts, such as 'shourui o azukeru' (to leave documents with someone for review or safekeeping). You should also understand its use in legal or financial terms, like 'azukekin' (a deposit). At this level, you should be able to use 'azukeru' in complex sentences involving honorifics. For example, when speaking to a superior, you might say 'O-nimotsu o o-azuke itashimasu' (I will entrust my luggage to you - very formal). You should also recognize 'azukeru' in literary contexts where it might mean entrusting one's heart or fate to another. The distinction between 'azukeru' and 'takusu' (to entrust a wish or legacy) becomes important here. 'Takusu' is more emotional and long-term, while 'azukeru' remains more grounded in the act of physical or professional custody. You should be able to explain the difference between these words in Japanese.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the deep cultural and psychological implications of 'azukeru'. In Japanese culture, 'azukeru' is related to the concept of 'amae' (dependence on others' benevolence). Entrusting something to another person is an act of social bonding and trust. You should be able to use the word in high-level discussions about social systems, such as the 'hoiku' (childcare) system or financial regulations regarding 'azukekin' (deposits). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and compound verbs like 'azuke-oku' (to leave something for a long period). In professional writing, you should know when to use 'azukeru' versus more technical terms like 'kitaku' (legal deposit) or 'itaku' (consignment/delegation). Your usage should reflect a sophisticated understanding of the level of responsibility being transferred. You might also explore the use of 'azukeru' in classical or archaic literature, where the nuances of entrusting one's life or honor were central themes.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'azukeru' across all registers and domains. You can use it fluently in legal, financial, and philosophical contexts. You understand the subtle differences between 'azukeru' and its synonyms like 'yudaneru', 'takusu', and 'makaseru' in highly nuanced literary passages. You can discuss the evolution of the word and its role in Japanese social structures, such as the historical 'ryougaeshi' (money changers) who 'azukaru' money. You can use 'azukeru' in complex rhetorical structures to convey trust, vulnerability, or professional duty. Whether you are drafting a formal contract involving the 'azukari' of assets or writing a poem about 'azukeru' one's soul to the moonlight, your choice of this verb and its surrounding grammar will be perfectly attuned to the context. You are also capable of correcting subtle misuses of the word by others, explaining the precise reasons why 'azukeru' might be more or less appropriate than an alternative in any given scenario.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

預ける in 30 Seconds

Azukeru means to entrust or leave something/someone for safekeeping with the expectation of getting it back later.
Commonly used for luggage at hotels, money in banks, and children at daycare centers or with relatives.
Uses the pattern: [Giver] ga [Receiver] ni [Object] o azukeru. The 'ni' particle marks the person keeping the item.
Must be distinguished from 'azukaru' (to receive/keep) and 'makaseru' (to delegate a task or decision).

The Japanese verb 預ける (azukeru) is a fundamental transitive verb that primarily means 'to entrust something to someone' or 'to leave something in someone's care.' At its core, it describes a social or physical transaction where possession is temporarily transferred for the purpose of safekeeping, management, or professional service. Unlike simply 'giving' (ageru) or 'lending' (kasu), azukeru implies a return of the item and a heavy sense of responsibility placed upon the recipient. In Japanese society, where trust and mutual reliance (amae) are central, this word carries significant weight. It is used in a wide variety of contexts, from the mundane task of leaving a suitcase at a hotel front desk to the deeply emotional act of leaving a child at a daycare center. The nuance is always that the owner of the object or person remains the owner, but the physical custody is handed over to another party. This is a B1 level word because while the basic physical meaning is easy to grasp, its abstract applications—such as entrusting one's life to a doctor or one's feelings to a friend—require a more nuanced understanding of Japanese interpersonal dynamics.

Physical Objects: Leaving luggage at a station locker or hotel reception desk (nimotsu o azukeru).

Financial Contexts: Depositing money into a bank account (ginkou ni okane o azukeru), where the bank acts as the trusted keeper.

旅行に行く間、犬をペットホテルに預けることにしました。
(While I'm away on a trip, I decided to leave my dog at a pet hotel.)

The word also extends into the realm of human relationships. When parents leave their children at a nursery school (hoikuen), they use the word 'azukeru'. This highlights the professional trust involved in the transaction. Furthermore, in more literary or formal contexts, one might 'azukeru' their body to a chair (relaxing deeply) or 'azukeru' their fate to the heavens. It is a verb that bridges the gap between physical custody and psychological trust. Understanding 'azukeru' is crucial for navigating daily life in Japan, especially when dealing with services like 'takkyubin' (delivery services), cloakrooms, and banking. It reflects a culture where the safe-keeping of others' belongings is a high priority, and the act of entrusting is a formal social contract. In business, you might hear it used when someone is asked to handle a specific responsibility or decision, although 'makaseru' is more common for tasks. However, if you are handing over documents for safekeeping, 'azukeru' is the precise term to use.

貴重品はフロントに預けてください。
(Please leave your valuables at the front desk.)

Using 預ける (azukeru) correctly requires a clear understanding of the sentence structure and the relationship between the giver and the receiver. The basic grammar pattern is: [Subject] ga [Recipient] ni [Object] o azukeru. The subject is the person who is giving the item for safekeeping. The recipient, marked by the particle 'ni', is the person or institution that will take care of it. The object, marked by 'o', is the thing being entrusted. This structure is very consistent across various levels of formality, though the verb itself will change form (e.g., azukemasu, azukete, azuketa).

The 'Ni' Particle: The particle 'ni' is vital because it indicates the destination of the trust. If you say 'Ginkou o azukeru,' it sounds like you are entrusting the entire bank to someone else, which is likely not what you mean! It should be 'Ginkou ni okane o azukeru' (Entrust money to the bank).

彼は友達に鍵を預けました。
(He entrusted the key to his friend.)

One of the most important distinctions for learners to make is between 'azukeru' and its intransitive/passive counterpart 'azukaru'. While 'azukeru' means 'to give for safekeeping,' azukaru means 'to receive/keep for safekeeping.' If you are the hotel clerk, you say 'O-nimotsu o o-azukari shimasu' (I will keep your luggage). If you are the guest, you say 'Nimotsu o azukete mo ii desu ka?' (Can I leave my luggage?). Mixing these up is a common mistake for B1 learners. Another key usage is the causative form, 'azukesareru,' which means to be made to take care of something, or the potential form 'azukerareru,' meaning to be able to entrust something.

Compound Verbs: You might see 'azukeru' combined with other verbs in more complex sentences. For example, 'azuke-oku' means to leave something somewhere for a long time. However, for most daily interactions, the simple verb form is sufficient.

母は私を祖父母に預けて買い物に行きました。
(My mother left me with my grandparents and went shopping.)

In Japan, you will encounter 預ける (azukeru) in very specific, high-frequency locations. The most common place for travelers is at hotels and ryokans. Before check-in or after check-out, you will frequently ask, 'Check-in made nimotsu o azukete mo ii desu ka?' (Can I leave my luggage until check-in?). The staff will respond using the humble version of the counterpart verb, but you, as the customer, will use 'azukeru'. You will also see this word on signs at train stations near coin lockers or 'tenimotsu azukarisho' (luggage storage counters). In these public spaces, the word represents a service that facilitates convenience and mobility.

At the Bank: When you open a savings account or deposit cash, the formal term for depositing is 'azukeru'. While 'nyuukin' (deposit money) is the technical term for the transaction, 'ginkou ni azukeru' is how people describe the act of keeping their money in a bank for safety.

駅のコインロッカーに荷物を預けましょう。
(Let's leave our bags in the station's coin locker.)

Another major context is parenting and childcare. In Japan, the 'waiting list' for daycare (taiki jidou) is a major social issue. Parents will often talk about 'kodomo o azukeru basho ga nai' (there is no place to leave the child). Here, 'azukeru' signifies the search for a safe, licensed environment where children can be cared for while parents work. You might also hear this word at hospitals or clinics when a patient is asked to 'leave' their health in the hands of a surgeon, or more commonly, leaving their valuables in a hospital safe. In restaurants with cloakrooms, especially high-end ones or wedding venues, the staff will ask to 'azukaru' your coat, and you will 'azukeru' it. Finally, in legal contexts, an 'azukekin' is a deposit or money held in trust, often seen in rental agreements or business contracts. This variety of contexts shows that 'azukeru' is not just about 'dropping things off' but about the transfer of responsibility and trust in a structured way.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 預ける (azukeru) is confusing it with its pair verb, 預かる (azukaru). This is a classic 'transitive vs. intransitive' or 'active vs. passive' confusion in Japanese. 'Azukeru' is the action of the person who gives the item for safekeeping. 'Azukaru' is the action of the person who receives and looks after the item. If you go to a hotel and say 'O-nimotsu o azukari-tai desu,' you are essentially saying you want to look after the hotel's luggage, which will confuse the staff! You should say 'azuke-tai' (I want to leave/entrust).

Azukeru vs. Kasu: Another mistake is using 'kasu' (to lend) when you mean 'azukeru'. If you give your friend your car because you have no parking space, you are 'azukeru'. If you give them the car so they can use it, you are 'kasu'. 'Azukeru' focuses on the benefit to the giver (safekeeping), while 'kasu' focuses on the benefit to the receiver (usage).

❌ 銀行にお金を借りました (I borrowed money to the bank - incorrect)
✅ 銀行にお金を預けました (I deposited/entrusted money to the bank.)

Thirdly, learners often forget the 'ni' particle. They might use 'kara' (from) or 'to' (with), but in Japanese, the destination of trust is always marked with 'ni'. For example, 'Tomodachi ni kodomo o azukeru' is correct. Using 'Tomodachi to' would imply you and the friend are together entrusting the child to someone else. Lastly, don't confuse 'azukeru' with 'oku' (to put/place). 'Oku' is just physical placement. If you leave your bag on a bench, you 'oita' (put it). If you leave it with a person to make sure it doesn't get stolen, you 'azuketa'. The element of 'safekeeping' is the defining characteristic of 'azukeru'.

While 預ける (azukeru) is the go-to word for entrusting physical items, Japanese has several other verbs that cover similar ground but with different nuances. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise in your speech.

任せる (Makaseru): This means 'to leave it to someone' or 'to delegate'. While 'azukeru' is for objects or physical care, 'makaseru' is for tasks, decisions, or responsibilities. You 'azukeru' your bag, but you 'makaseru' the project to a colleague.

託す (Takusu): This is a more formal and often more emotional version of 'azukeru'. It means 'to entrust' a dream, a message, or a future to someone. It implies a deep hope or a final request. You might 'takusu' your last will to a lawyer.

将来の夢を次の世代に託す。
(To entrust the dreams of the future to the next generation.)

Other alternatives include 寄託する (kitaku suru), which is a very formal, legalistic term used in contracts for 'depositing' or 'leaving in trust'. There is also 放置する (houchi suru), which means 'to leave something alone' or 'neglect'. This is the opposite of 'azukeru' because it implies a lack of care or safekeeping. For example, 'jitensha o houchi suru' means to abandon a bicycle on the street. Finally, 委ねる (yudaneru) is a poetic or formal word meaning 'to abandon oneself to' or 'to leave everything to'. You might 'yudaneru' your body to the waves or your heart to fate. While 'azukeru' is practical and common, 'yudaneru' is literary and deep.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 預 consists of 頁 (head/page) and 予 (beforehand/easy). It implies preparing or setting something aside for later. It is also the same kanji used in 'yokin' (bank deposit).

Pronunciation Guide

UK a.zu.ke.ɾu

US a.zu.ke.ɾu

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'azukeru', the pitch starts low on 'a' and rises on 'zu', staying high for 'ke' and 'ru' (Heiban pattern).

Rhymes With

Tasukeru (to help) Vukeru (to age) Makeru (to lose) Tsukeru (to attach) Akeru (to open) Ukeru (to receive) Tokeru (to melt) Nukeru (to come out)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zu' like 'ju'. Ensure it is a 'z' sound.
Making the 'r' sound too much like an English 'l' or 'r'. It should be a quick tap of the tongue.
Elongating the vowels. Japanese vowels are short unless indicated by a long vowel mark.
Confusing the pitch with stress. Do not punch the syllables; keep the volume even.
Mispronouncing 'ke' as 'kee'. It should be 'eh' as in 'pet'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is common but can be confused with other 'y' sounds like 'yotei' (予).

Writing 4/5

The kanji 預 has many strokes and requires practice to balance properly.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but the pitch accent is important.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish clearly from 'azukaru' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

荷物 (Nimotsu) 銀行 (Ginkou) 子供 (Kodomo) 置く (Oku) 貸す (Kasu)

Learn Next

預かる (Azukaru) 任せる (Makaseru) 託す (Takusu) 委ねる (Yudaneru) 保管する (Hokan suru)

Advanced

寄託 (Kitaku) 信託 (Shintaku) 預託 (Yotaku) 委託 (Itaku) 供託 (Kyoutaku)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive Pairs

預ける (transitive) vs. 預かる (intransitive/receiver-focused)

The 'Ni' Particle for Recipients

銀行『に』お金を預ける。

Te-form for Requests

荷物を預けてください。

Potential Form for Ability

ここでは荷物を預けられません。

Causative Form for Forcing

子供を無理やり預けさせた。

Examples by Level

ホテルに荷物を預けます。

I will leave my luggage at the hotel.

Verb in polite present form.

駅でカバンを預けました。

I left my bag at the station.

Past tense of azukeru.

ここに傘を預けてもいいですか？

Can I leave my umbrella here?

-te mo ii desu ka (asking permission).

コートを預けてください。

Please leave your coat.

-te kudasai (request).

フロントに鍵を預けます。

I'll leave the key at the front desk.

Ni particle for destination.

荷物を預けたいです。

I want to leave my luggage.

-tai (desire).

どこで荷物を預けられますか？

Where can I leave my luggage?

Potential form (azukerareru).

母にカバンを預けました。

I left my bag with my mother.

Person + ni.

銀行にお金を預けます。

I deposit money in the bank.

Common collocation with money.

友達に犬を預けました。

I left my dog with a friend.

Using 'ni' for the person entrusted.

貴重品は金庫に預けてください。

Please leave your valuables in the safe.

Kichouhin (valuables).

旅行の間、猫を隣の人に預けました。

During the trip, I left my cat with the neighbor.

Time duration + aida.

車を駐車場に預けました。

I left my car at the parking lot.

Place + ni.

この荷物を明日まで預かってくれますか？

Can you keep this luggage for me until tomorrow?

Wait! This uses azukaru (to keep). Note the difference.

子供を保育園に預けて働いています。

I leave my child at daycare and work.

-te form connecting actions.

大事な書類を先生に預けました。

I entrusted the important documents to the teacher.

Daiji na (important).

しばらくの間、彼に鍵を預けることにした。

I decided to leave the key with him for a while.

Koto ni shita (decided to).

その問題の解決は彼に預けるべきだ。

The resolution of that problem should be left to him.

Abstract usage (metaphorical).

忙しいので、子供を実家に預けています。

Since I'm busy, I'm leaving my child at my parents' house.

Jikka (parents' home).

クリーニング屋にコートを預けてきた。

I went and left my coat at the dry cleaners.

-te kita (went and did).

彼は全財産を銀行に預けている。

He keeps all his assets in the bank.

Zenzaisan (all assets).

自分の将来を彼に預けることに不安を感じる。

I feel anxious about entrusting my future to him.

Abstract/Emotional trust.

手荷物預かり所にスーツケースを預けた。

I left my suitcase at the luggage storage office.

Specific noun: azukarisho.

この仕事は専門家に預けたほうがいい。

It's better to leave this job to an expert.

-ta hou ga ii (advice).

彼女は運命を天に預けるような気持ちだった。

She felt like she was entrusting her fate to the heavens.

Literary/Metaphorical usage.

裁判所に証拠品を預ける手続きを行った。

I carried out the procedure to entrust the evidence to the court.

Legal context.

彼は椅子に深く体を預けて休息した。

He leaned his body deep into the chair and rested.

Mi o azukeru (to lean/entrust body).

この金は信頼できる人にしか預けられない。

I can only entrust this money to someone I can trust.

Potential negative + shika (only).

彼女は子供を預ける場所が見つからず、困り果てていた。

She was at a total loss because she couldn't find a place to leave her child.

Komari-hatete ita (very troubled).

資産の運用をプロに預けることにした。

I decided to entrust the management of my assets to a professional.

Asset management (shisan unyou).

その件は一旦私に預けていただけますか？

Could you leave that matter with me for the time being?

Keigo (polite request form).

彼は友人に秘密を預けることに躊躇した。

He hesitated to entrust his secret to his friend.

Chuu-cho (hesitation).

彼は全権を部下に預け、第一線を退いた。

He entrusted full authority to his subordinates and retired from the front lines.

Zenkent (full power).

信託銀行に遺産を預け、管理を依頼した。

I entrusted the inheritance to a trust bank and requested its management.

Shintaku ginkou (trust bank).

彼女は自らの信念をその言葉に預けた。

She entrusted her own beliefs to those words.

High-level abstract usage.

この作品の評価は後世の人々に預けることにしよう。

Let's leave the evaluation of this work to future generations.

Kousei (future generations).

彼は荒波に小舟を預け、ただ時の過ぎるのを待った。

He entrusted the small boat to the rough waves and simply waited for time to pass.

Poetic/Descriptive.

責任の所在を曖昧にしたまま、問題を他人に預けるのは無責任だ。

It is irresponsible to entrust a problem to others while leaving the location of responsibility vague.

Complex critical sentence.

貴重な文化財を博物館に寄託（預けること）した。

I deposited (entrusted) precious cultural properties to the museum.

Kitaku (formal synonym).

彼はその一瞬に、自分の人生のすべてを預けた。

In that single moment, he entrusted all of his life.

Dramatic emphasis.

国家の存亡を賭けた決断を、一人の若者に預けるという危うさ。

The danger of entrusting a decision on which the survival of the nation depends to a single young man.

Advanced political/literary context.

彼は自らの肉体を機械の精度に預け、深海へと潜っていった。

He entrusted his own body to the precision of the machine and dove into the deep sea.

Technological/Existential trust.

法の正義にすべてを預けることが、必ずしも救いになるとは限らない。

Entrusting everything to the justice of the law does not necessarily lead to salvation.

Philosophical/Legal critique.

その作家は、言葉の端々に言い尽くせぬ情念を預けている。

That author entrusts unspeakable passions to every corner of their words.

Literary analysis.

資本の流動性を確保しつつ、余剰金を安全な資産に預ける。

While ensuring capital liquidity, surplus funds are entrusted to safe assets.

Economic/Financial jargon.

彼は沈黙の中に、自らの真意を預けた。

Within the silence, he entrusted his true intentions.

Abstract psychological depth.

歴史の裁きに身を預ける覚悟が、彼にはあった。

He had the resolve to entrust himself to the judgment of history.

High-level idiom/resolve.

万物の流転に身を預け、執着を捨てる。

Entrust one's body to the flux of all things and discard attachment.

Buddhist/Philosophical context.

Common Collocations

荷物を預ける

お金を預ける

子供を預ける

身を預ける

鍵を預ける

貴重品を預ける

ペットを預ける

運命を預ける

一任を預ける

背中を預ける

Common Phrases

預け入れ (Azuke-ire)

— The act of depositing (especially money into an ATM or bank).

ATMで預け入れをする。

預け金 (Azukekin)

— A deposit or money held in trust for someone else.

預け金の返還を求める。

預け主 (Azukenushi)

— The person who entrusts the item (the depositor).

預け主の確認を行う。

手荷物預かり所 (Tenimotsu azukarisho)

— A left-luggage office or baggage claim area.

手荷物預かり所はあちらです。

預けっぱなし (Azuke-ppanashi)

— Leaving something in someone's care for an excessively long time without picking it up.

荷物を預けっぱなしにする。

預け賃 (Azukechin)

— The fee paid for leaving something in safekeeping.

預け賃を支払う。

預け先 (Azukesaki)

— The place or person where something is being left.

子供の預け先を探す。

預け合う (Azuke-au)

— To entrust things to each other (mutual trust).

お互いに秘密を預け合う。

預け直す (Azuke-naosu)

— To re-deposit or move something to a different place of safekeeping.

別の銀行に預け直す。

預け忘れる (Azuke-wasureru)

— To forget to leave something in safekeeping.

貴重品を預け忘れた。

Often Confused With

預ける vs 預かる (Azukaru)

Azukaru is to keep/take care of; Azukeru is to give/entrust. They are two sides of the same coin.

預ける vs 貸す (Kasu)

Kasu is to lend for someone else's use; Azukeru is to leave for your own items' safety.

預ける vs 置く (Oku)

Oku is just to put something down; Azukeru implies a request for safekeeping.

Idioms & Expressions

"身を預ける"

— To lean against something or to entrust one's whole life/safety to someone.

大自然に身を預ける。

Literary

"運命を預ける"

— To let fate or a higher power decide one's future.

時の流れに運命を預ける。

Poetic

"背中を預ける"

— To trust someone completely, often in a dangerous situation (like a comrade-in-arms).

彼なら背中を預けられる。

Colloquial/Action

"心を預ける"

— To open one's heart or entrust one's feelings to someone.

彼女に心を預けている。

Literary

"全権を預ける"

— To give someone full authority to act on one's behalf.

リーダーに全権を預けた。

Formal

"筆を預ける"

— To stop writing or to let the pen be guided (metaphorical).

一旦、筆を預けて考える。

Literary

"命を預ける"

— To entrust one's life to someone (e.g., a doctor or a driver).

パイロットに命を預ける。

Dramatic

"言葉を預ける"

— To leave a message with someone to be delivered later.

伝言を友達に預けた。

Neutral

"椅子に体を預ける"

— To sit back and relax completely in a chair.

ソファに深く体を預けた。

Neutral

"一任を預ける"

— To leave the entire responsibility or decision to someone else.

この件の処理は彼に預ける。

Formal

Easily Confused

預ける vs 任せる (Makaseru)

Both involve 'leaving' something to someone.

Makaseru is for tasks and decisions. Azukeru is for physical objects or people's care.

仕事を任せる (Leave the job) vs 荷物を預ける (Leave the luggage).

預ける vs 託す (Takusu)

Both mean 'to entrust'.

Takusu is more formal and emotional, often for dreams or final wishes. Azukeru is practical.

思いを託す (Entrust feelings) vs 傘を預ける (Leave an umbrella).

預ける vs 借りる (Kariru)

Learners sometimes swap 'deposit' and 'borrow'.

Kariru is taking something for your use; Azukeru is giving something for safekeeping.

お金を借りる (Borrow money) vs お金を預ける (Deposit money).

預ける vs 忘れる (Wasureru)

If you 'leave' something behind by accident.

Wasureru is accidental. Azukeru is intentional for safety.

鞄を忘れた (Forgot bag) vs 鞄を預けた (Left bag for safety).

預ける vs 委ねる (Yudaneru)

Both involve giving control to another.

Yudaneru is poetic/literary and implies total surrender. Azukeru is a standard transaction.

流れに身を委ねる (Surrender to the flow) vs 友達に犬を預ける (Leave dog with friend).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] o azukeru

Nimotsu o azukeru.

[Place] ni [Object] o azukeru

Ginkou ni okane o azukeru.

[Person] ni [Object] o azukete mo ii desu ka?

Tomodachi ni kagi o azukete mo ii desu ka?

[Object] o azukete oku

Kaban o azukete oita.

[Abstract] o [Person] ni azukeru

Unmei o ten ni azukeru.

[Body] o [Object] ni azukeru

Isu ni mi o azukeru.

[Authority] o [Person] ni azukeru

Zenkent o buka ni azukeru.

[Existence] o [Concept] ni azukeru

Banbutsu no ruten ni mi o azukeru.

Word Family

Nouns

預かり (Azukari) - safekeeping

預け入れ (Azuke-ire) - deposit

預金 (Yokin) - bank deposit

Verbs

預かる (Azukaru) - to keep/look after

預け直す (Azuke-naosu) - to re-deposit

寄託 (Kitaku)

委託 (Itaku)

信託 (Shintaku)

保管 (Hokan)

託す (Takusu)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in travel, banking, and childcare contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'azukaru' instead of 'azukeru'. → Nimotsu o azukete mo ii desu ka?
If you want to leave your bags, you must use 'azukeru'. 'Azukaru' means you want to take care of someone else's bags.
Using 'kara' instead of 'ni' for the recipient. → Ginkou ni okane o azukeru.
The destination of the trust is always marked with 'ni'. 'Kara' would mean you are taking it from the bank.
Using 'kasu' for safekeeping. → Tomodachi ni kagi o azukeru.
If the friend isn't using the key, you are 'azukeru'-ing it, not 'kasu'-ing (lending) it.
Confusing 'azukeru' with 'oku'. → Kinko ni kichouhin o azukeru.
While 'oku' is just putting it there, 'azukeru' implies the safe or the staff is now responsible for it.
Using 'azukeru' for tasks. → Kare ni shigoto o makaseru.
For jobs and responsibilities, 'makaseru' is much more natural than 'azukeru'.

Tips

Hotel Tip

When you leave your bags at a hotel, you will often get a 'tag' or 'slip'. This is called an 'azukari-shou'. Don't lose it, as you'll need it to get your bags back!

Particle Choice

Always remember 'ni' for the person. If you use 'to', it sounds like you and that person are both leaving something together elsewhere.

Avoid Kasu

Don't say 'kasu' (lend) when you mean 'azukeru'. If you aren't letting them use the item, it's not 'kasu'.

Trust in Japan

Japan is very safe, but 'azukeru' still implies a formal request. Even if you leave something with a friend, saying 'azukeru' makes the responsibility clear.

Childcare Context

In Japan, 'azukeru' is the standard word for daycare. It doesn't sound cold; it sounds responsible and organized.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 預 is used in many bank-related words. Learning it now will help you navigate ATMs and bank forms later.

Staff Speech

Listen for 'o-azukari shimasu' from staff. It's the humble version of 'azukaru' and means they have accepted your item.

The 'A' Rule

A is for Azukeru, and A is for 'Away'. You give the item away for safekeeping.

Document Handling

In an office, if you leave a file for someone to look at later, 'azukeru' is a professional way to describe it.

Building Trust

Using 'azukeru' with abstract things like 'dreams' or 'secrets' shows a very high level of intimacy and trust in Japanese.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A ZOO' (azu) and 'Kettle' (ke). You leave your 'Zoo' and your 'Kettle' at a hotel for safekeeping. 'A-zu-ke-ru'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant golden key being handed over a velvet counter at a luxury hotel. The act of handing it over is 'azukeru'.

Word Web

Luggage Bank Daycare Trust Safekeeping Temporary Return Responsibility

Challenge

Try to use 'azukeru' in three different contexts today: once for an object, once for money, and once for a person or pet.

Word Origin

The word 'azukeru' comes from the Old Japanese root 'azuku', which meant to be involved with or to take part in. Over time, it evolved to mean being involved in the care of something.

Original meaning: To participate in or to be responsible for.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'azukeru' with people; ensure it doesn't sound like you are treating them like objects. In professional daycare settings, it is perfectly standard.

In English, we often use different verbs like 'deposit', 'check in', 'leave', or 'entrust'. 'Azukeru' covers all of these.

The movie 'Nobody Knows' (Dare mo Shiranai) touches on the tragedy of children who cannot be 'azukeru'-ed properly. Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko) uses 'azukeru' terminology in its consumer guides. Hotel etiquette guides in Japan always teach the proper use of 'azukeru' vs 'azukaru'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hotels

荷物を預けたいのですが。
チェックアウト後に預けられますか？
貴重品を預けます。
名前を言って預ける。

Banks

お金を預ける。
定期預金に預ける。
窓口で預ける。
ATMで預け入れ。

Daycare

保育園に預ける。
実家に子供を預ける。
一時的に預ける。
預ける場所がない。

Pets

ペットホテルに預ける。
友達に猫を預ける。
散歩を預ける（頼む）。
一晩預ける。

Social

秘密を預ける。
信頼して預ける。
背中を預ける。
一任を預ける。

Conversation Starters

"旅行の時、いつもどこに荷物を預けますか？ (When traveling, where do you usually leave your luggage?)"

"子供を預ける場所を探すのは大変だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's hard to find a place to leave children?)"

"大切な秘密を誰かに預けたことがありますか？ (Have you ever entrusted an important secret to someone?)"

"銀行以外にお金を預けるなら、どこがいいですか？ (If you were to deposit money somewhere other than a bank, where would be good?)"

"ペットを預ける時、何を一番心配しますか？ (When you leave your pet with someone, what do you worry about most?)"

Journal Prompts

今日は駅のロッカーに荷物を預けて、一日中観光しました。 (Today I left my bags in a station locker and went sightseeing all day.)

誰かに自分の人生を預けるというのは、どういう気持ちでしょうか。 (I wonder what it feels like to entrust one's life to someone else.)

将来、自分の子供を保育園に預けることについてどう思いますか。 (What are your thoughts on leaving your future children at a daycare center?)

もし1億円あったら、どの銀行に預けますか？ (If you had 100 million yen, which bank would you entrust it to?)

信頼できる友人に、自分の大切なものを預ける時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about the feeling of entrusting something precious to a reliable friend.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

This is the most common question. 'Azukeru' is what you do when you want someone to keep your bag (to entrust). 'Azukaru' is what the other person does when they take your bag to keep it safe (to keep). For example, if you are the customer, you say 'azukeru'. If you are the hotel clerk, you say 'azukaru'.

Yes, it is the standard word for depositing money into a bank account. While 'nyuukin' is the technical term for the deposit transaction, 'ginkou ni okane o azukeru' is how you describe the general act of keeping your money in a bank.

The most natural way is to say: 'Nimotsu o azukete mo ii desu ka?' (Can I leave my luggage?). You can add 'check-in made' (until check-in) or 'check-out no ato' (after check-out) to be more specific.

Yes, it is very common. 'Kodomo o hoikuen ni azukeru' means to leave your child at a nursery school. It implies that the school is taking professional responsibility for the child's care.

You use 'ni' for the person or place that is receiving the item, and 'o' for the item itself. Example: 'Tomodachi (ni) kagi (o) azukeru' (Entrust the key to a friend).

Yes. 'Inu o petto hoteru ni azukeru' is a perfect sentence. It means you are leaving your dog at a pet hotel for safekeeping while you are away.

The verb itself is neutral. You can make it polite by saying 'azukemasu' or informal by saying 'azukeru'. In very formal situations like business, you might use 'o-azuke itashimasu'.

It literally means 'to entrust one's body'. It can mean to lean against something (like a chair) or metaphorically to entrust your life or safety to someone else, like a partner or a doctor.

Yes! They share the same kanji 預. 'Yokin' (預金) literally means 'entrusted money'. Understanding 'azukeru' helps you understand many financial terms in Japanese.

Yes, though 'takusu' is also common for secrets. 'Himitsu o azukeru' means you are telling someone a secret and trusting them to keep it safe (not tell anyone else).