Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 任せる (makaseru). It means you let someone else do something for you. You can say, "Please do this for me." It is like saying, "I trust you!" You can use it when you are tired or when your friend is good at something. For example, you can say, "Please choose the game for us." You makaseru the choice to your friend. It is a nice way to share things!
The verb 任せる (makaseru) means to entrust something to someone, or to leave a task or decision to them. You can use it when you want someone else to handle something because you trust them or because you don't have time. For example, if you are cooking, you might makaseru the job of chopping vegetables to your brother. You are makaseru the task to him. It's a common way to delegate or ask for help politely.
任せる (makaseru) is a verb that signifies entrusting a task, responsibility, or decision to another person. It implies confidence in their ability or a willingness to let them take charge. You might say, 「この仕事は君に任せるよ」(Kono shigoto wa kimi ni makaseru yo - I'll leave this job to you), especially in a work context. It can also be used casually, like deciding where to eat: 「レストラン選びは任せる」(Resutoran erabi wa makaseru - I'll leave the restaurant choice to you). The key is the act of delegation and trust.
The Japanese verb 任せる (makaseru) conveys the act of delegating, entrusting, or leaving something to someone else's care or judgment. It's more than just assigning a task; it often carries an implication of confidence in the recipient's competence. In a professional setting, a superior might makaseru a project to a subordinate, expecting them to manage it. In personal life, you might makaseru a decision, like choosing a movie, to a friend whose taste you trust. The phrase 「お任せください」(O-makase kudasai - Please leave it to me) is a common polite offer to take responsibility.
任せる (makaseru) is a nuanced verb denoting the act of entrusting, delegating, or consigning a task, responsibility, or decision to another party. It signifies a transfer of agency, often underpinned by trust in the delegatee's capability or a conscious decision to relinquish control. The verb is frequently employed in contexts requiring management and leadership, where tasks are distributed. For instance, 「この件は田中さんに任せることにした」(Kono ken wa Tanaka-san ni makaseru koto ni shita - I decided to entrust this matter to Mr. Tanaka) illustrates a formal decision. Conversely, informal usage, like 「今日の予定は君に任せる」(Kyō no yotei wa kimi ni makaseru - I'll leave today's schedule up to you), highlights personal reliance.
The verb 任せる (makaseru), rooted in the character 任 (entrust, duty), embodies the complex socio-relational act of delegation and trust. Its usage spans from formal organizational structures, where authority and tasks are systematically assigned, to intimate interpersonal dynamics where reliance and autonomy are negotiated. The semantic field encompasses not only the literal act of assigning but also the psychological underpinnings of confidence, abdication of control, and empowerment. Consider the subtle distinction between makaseru (to entrust) and marunage (to dump responsibility wholesale), highlighting the ethical and relational dimensions. The expression 「お任せあれ」(O-makase are - Leave it to me! / I've got this!), a more assertive and sometimes boastful variant of o-makase kudasai, showcases the spectrum of confidence and social positioning conveyed by this seemingly simple verb.
30秒词汇
- Means 'to entrust', 'to delegate', or 'to leave to someone'.
- Implies confidence or willingness to let others take charge.
- Often used with the particle に (ni) to indicate the recipient.
- Common in work, daily life, and service contexts.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese verb 任せる (makaseru). Think of it as the ultimate act of trust and delegation. When you makaseru something, you're essentially saying, "I trust you with this!" It's about handing over a task, a decision, or even a responsibility to someone else. This can happen in all sorts of situations, from simple everyday chores to big, important projects at work. It’s a really useful word that highlights the importance of teamwork and relying on others.
The core idea behind makaseru is that you're confident in the other person's abilities, or perhaps you're choosing to let go of control and allow them to take the lead. It's not just about offloading work; it's about empowering someone else. Imagine a teacher makaseru a student with leading a group project, or a parent makaseru their child with choosing a movie for family night. It shows a level of faith and a willingness to see what they can do. Understanding this word opens up a whole new layer of communication and relationships in Japanese!
The verb makaseru has roots that go back quite a ways in the Japanese language. It's closely related to the word makase (任せ), which is the stem of the verb and can also be used as a nominalizer or in certain grammatical constructions. The kanji character 任 itself is key here. It means 'to entrust,' 'to assign,' 'duty,' or 'responsibility.' You can see how this character perfectly encapsulates the meaning of the verb.
Historically, the concept of entrusting tasks and responsibilities was crucial in Japanese society, especially in feudal times and within family structures. The character 任 has been used for centuries, and its meaning has remained remarkably consistent. While we don't have dramatic tales of its evolution, its steady presence in the language reflects the enduring importance of trust and delegation. Think about how in older forms of Japanese, the nuances of who was responsible for what, and how that responsibility was transferred, were carefully defined. Makaseru fits right into this historical context, representing a fundamental social and professional interaction.
Makaseru is a versatile verb used in many contexts. You'll often hear it in professional settings when delegating tasks. For example, a manager might say, 「このプロジェクトは君に任せるよ」(Kono purojekuto wa kimi ni makaseru yo - I'll leave this project to you). In this case, it implies trust and authority. It can also be used in more casual situations among friends or family. If you're unsure about something, you might makaseru the decision to someone else: 「今日の晩ご飯、君に任せる」(Kyō no bangohan, kimi ni makaseru - I'll leave tonight's dinner up to you).
When using makaseru, the person or entity being entrusted is typically marked with the particle ni (に). The thing being entrusted can be a noun (like 'the project') or implied by context. It's important to note the nuance: makaseru suggests a positive act of delegation or trust, rather than simply abandoning a task. You wouldn't typically makaseru something you don't want to do onto someone else in a negative way, unless the context strongly implies sarcasm or a power dynamic. It's generally a cooperative or authoritative expression.
While makaseru itself is quite direct, it appears in phrases that carry idiomatic weight. Here are a few:
- お任せください (O-makase kudasai): This is a very common and polite way to say "Leave it to me!" or "Please entrust it to me." It's often used by service staff or when someone volunteers to take responsibility. Example: 「この件は私にお任せください。」(Kono ken wa watashi ni o-makase kudasai. - Please leave this matter to me.)
- お任せ下さい (O-makase kudasai): Similar to the above, but using the kanji for 'please leave' (下さい). The meaning is identical, and it's a standard polite response. Example: 「レストランの予約、お任せ下さい。」(Resutoran no yoyaku, o-makase kudasai. - Leave the restaurant reservation to me.)
- お任せ (O-makase): This is a shorter, more casual version of "Leave it to me." It can be used among friends or in informal service situations. Example: 「今日のランチ、お任せで！」(Kyō no ranchi, o-makase de! - For today's lunch, leave it up to me/you!)
- 丸投げ (marunage): While not directly using makaseru, this term describes the negative act of completely dumping a task onto someone else without any guidance or support. It's the opposite of positive delegation. Example: 「上司が仕事を丸投げしてきた。」(Jōshi ga shigoto o marunage shite kita. - My boss dumped the entire job on me.)
- 人任せ (hitomakase): This means relying on others, or leaving things to others. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being passive or not taking initiative. Example: 「彼はいつも人任せで、自分では何もしない。」(Kare wa itsumo hitomakase de, jibun de wa nani mo shinai. - He always relies on others and never does anything himself.)
Makaseru is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows a predictable pattern. For instance, the past tense is makaseta (任せた), the negative is makasenai (任せない), and the te-form is makasete (任せて). The polite form is makasemasu (任せます), with the past polite being makasemashita (任せました).
The pronunciation is straightforward: ma-ka-se-ru. Each syllable is pronounced clearly. In terms of stress, Japanese is largely pitch-accent based, and makaseru typically has a high pitch on the second mora ('ka') and then drops: ma-KA-se-ru. This can vary slightly by dialect, but this pattern is common.
Common pronunciation errors for learners might include misplacing the pitch accent or not clearly distinguishing the vowel sounds. For example, saying 'makasero' instead of 'makaseru'. Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllabic structure, but words ending in '-seru' share a similar sound, like kaseru (貸せる - to be able to lend) or dasu (出す - to put out), though the final syllable differs.
Fun Fact
The kanji 任 (nin/makase) has been used for centuries and its core meaning of 'entrustment' or 'responsibility' has remained remarkably stable, reflecting the enduring importance of these concepts in Japanese society.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'muh-KAH-seh-roo', with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, stressing the 'KAH' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'se' as 'she'.
- Putting stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., MA-ka-se-ru.
- Not clearly pronouncing the final 'u' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of context and nuances.
Choosing the right verb and particle is important.
Natural usage depends on context and register.
Context is crucial to distinguish from similar verbs.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Particle に (ni)
彼<strong>に</strong>任せる (Entrust to him)
Te-form for requests/suggestions
任せ<strong>て</strong> (Leave it!)
Verb conjugations (Group 1)
任せる → 任せた (past tense)
Nominalization with の
選ぶの<strong>を</strong>任せる (Entrust the choosing)
Examples by Level
おもちゃを弟に任せる。
toy + particle + brother + particle + entrust
The particle に (ni) marks the person who is entrusted with something.
今日の宿題は私に任せて。
today's + homework + particle + me + particle + entrust (te-form)
The te-form (任せて) is used here to make a request or suggestion.
ママ、これ、あなたに任せる！
Mom + this + you + particle + entrust
Using the verb directly like this implies a casual entrustment.
この絵、君に任せるよ。
this + picture + you + particle + entrust + sentence ending particle
The particle よ (yo) adds emphasis or informs the listener.
お菓子を選ぶのを任せて。
sweets + choose + object particle + entrust (te-form)
The pattern 'verb-dictionary form + のを任せる' means to leave the action of the verb to someone.
父は私に車を任せた。
father + particle + me + particle + car + particle + entrusted
The past tense 任せた (makaseta) indicates the action happened in the past.
大丈夫、私に任せて。
okay + I + particle + entrust (te-form)
This phrase is a common way to reassure someone.
この仕事、誰に任せる？
this + work + who + particle + entrust + question particle
This is a question asking for delegation.
この難しい仕事は、経験のある先輩に任せるのがいいでしょう。
this + difficult + job + particle + experience + particle + senior + particle + entrust + nominalizer + is + good + probably
The pattern 'verb + のがいい' means 'it is good to do X'.
旅行の計画はすべて妻に任せています。
travel + particle + plan + particle + all + wife + particle + entrust + am doing
子供たちに、おもちゃの片付けを任せました。
children + particle + toy + particle + tidying up + entrusted
The particle を (o) marks the object of the action (tidying up).
会議の進行は、部長に任せることになりました。
meeting + particle + progress + particle + department head + particle + entrust + thing + became
The pattern 'verb + ことになった' means 'it has been decided that...'
彼はいつも自分の意見を言わず、人に任せる。
he + always + his own + opinion + particle + say + not + people + particle + entrust
The pattern 'verb + ず' is a classical negative form, meaning 'without doing X'.
この問題の解決は、専門家に任せるべきだ。
this + problem + particle + solution + particle + expert + particle + entrust + should
The pattern 'verb + べきだ' means 'should do X'.
彼女は新しいプロジェクトのリーダーを彼に任せた。
she + particle + new + project + particle + leader + particle + him + particle + entrusted
The particle に (ni) indicates the recipient of the entrustment.
お任せください、必ず成功させます。
leave it to me + please + certainly + succeed + will make
成功させる (seikō saseru) is the causative form of 'to succeed'.
この重要な決定は、経験豊富なリーダーに任せるのが賢明だろう。
this + important + decision + particle + experience + abundant + leader + particle + entrust + nominalizer + is + wise + probably
賢明 (kenmei) means 'wise' or 'prudent'.
彼は自分の能力に自信があるのか、どんな仕事も部下に任せる。
he + his own + ability + particle + confidence + particle + have + particle + what kind of + job + all + subordinate + particle + entrust
The pattern 'verb + のか' introduces a reason or explanation.
イベントの企画・運営は、専門の会社に任せることにした。
event + particle + planning + operation + particle + specialized + company + particle + entrust + thing + decided
企画 (kikaku) means 'planning' and 運営 (un'ei) means 'operation'.
子供が自分でやると言ったので、夕食の準備を彼に任せてみた。
child + particle + by oneself + do + said + so + dinner + particle + preparation + particle + him + particle + entrusted + tried
The pattern 'verb + てみた' means 'tried doing X'.
その件については、私の上司に直接お任せください。
that + matter + regarding + particle + I + particle + boss + particle + directly + entrust + please
お任せください (o-makase kudasai) is a polite way to say 'leave it to me' or 'please entrust it'.
彼は責任を負うことを嫌い、常に人任せにする傾向がある。
he + responsibility + particle + bear + thing + dislike + always + people + particle + entrust + do + tendency + have
傾向がある (keikō ga aru) means 'to have a tendency to'.
このデザインの最終決定は、クライアントに任せるしかない。
this + design + particle + final + decision + particle + client + particle + entrust + can only do
～しかない (shika nai) means 'there is no choice but to do X'.
「すべてお任せします」と言うことで、相手への信頼を表現できる。
everything + entrust + say + by doing +相手 (partner/opponent) + particle + trust + express + can do
The pattern '～ことで' means 'by doing X' or 'through doing X'.
プロジェクトの成功は、担当者の能力に大きく依存するため、適任者への権限委譲は不可欠だ。
project + particle + success + particle + person in charge + particle + ability + particle + greatly + depend + because + suitable person + particle + authority transfer + is + essential
権限委譲 (kengen ijō) means 'delegation of authority'.
彼は、自ら進んで困難な課題に取り組むのではなく、しばしば部下に丸投げするきらいがある。
he + oneself + proactively + difficult + task + tackle + instead of + often + subordinate + particle + dump entirely + tendency + have
きらいがある (kirai ga aru) means 'has a tendency to' (often negative).
その芸術家は、制作過程におけるインスピレーションの源泉を、偶然性や他者への委ねに求めた。
that + artist + creation + process + regarding + inspiration + particle + source + chance + and + others + particle + entrust + seeked
委ねる (yudaneru) is a synonym for 任せる, often with a more passive or yielding nuance.
顧客からのクレーム対応は、担当部署に一任しており、我々が直接介入することはない。
customer + from + complaint + handling + responsible department + particle + entirely entrust + doing + we + directly + intervene + thing + not exist
一任する (ichinin suru) means 'to entrust entirely'.
「お任せください」という言葉には、単なる引き受け以上の、責任感と自信が込められている。
'leave it to me' + particle + word + more than + simple + undertaking + responsibility + confidence + is contained
The pattern '～以上の' means 'more than X'.
彼は自分の限界を悟り、その後の交渉はすべて弁護士に任せることにした。
he + his own + limits + realized + that + after + negotiation + all + lawyer + particle + entrust + thing + decided
悟る (satoru) means 'to realize' or 'to comprehend'.
チームメンバーの自主性を尊重するため、具体的な指示は最小限にとどめ、多くを彼らに任せている。
team member + autonomy + respect + for the purpose of + specific + instructions + minimal + contain + much + them + particle + entrusting
自主性 (jishusei) means 'autonomy' or 'self-reliance'.
この複雑な状況下では、感情に流されず、冷静な判断ができる人物に采配を任せるべきだ。
this + complex + situation + under + emotions + swayed + not + calm + judgment + can do + person + particle + command/control + particle + entrust + should do
采配を任せる (saihai o makaseru) is an idiom meaning to leave the command or control to someone.
組織の円滑な運営のためには、各部門長に一定の裁量権を委ね、その結果責任を問うことが肝要である。
organization + particle + smooth + operation + for the purpose of + each + department head + particle + certain + discretionary power + entrust + that + result + responsibility + question + is + essential
裁量権 (sairyouken) refers to 'discretionary power' or 'authority'.
彼は、自らの限界を認識し、その後の戦略立案は、より専門的な知見を持つコンサルタントに一任した。
he + his own + limits + recognized + that + after + strategy + planning + specialized + knowledge + have + consultant + particle + entirely entrusted
戦略立案 (senryaku ritsuan) means 'strategic planning'.
伝統芸能の継承においては、長年の修業を経た弟子にその技芸の伝授を委ねることで、真髄が受け継がれていく。
traditional performing arts + particle + inheritance + in + many years + training + through + disciple + particle + that + skill/art + particle + transmission + entrust + by doing + essence + is inherited
真髄 (shinzui) means 'the essence' or 'the core'.
その作家は、物語の結末を読者の想像力に委ねるという手法を取り、論争を呼んだ。
that + writer + story + particle + ending + reader + imagination + particle + entrust + method + took + controversy + called
手法 (shuhō) means 'method' or 'technique'.
「すべてお任せください」という言葉は、時に、責任回避の隠れ蓑となり得ることを忘れてはならない。
'everything leave it to me' + particle + word + sometimes + responsibility avoidance + particle + hiding place + become + can + must not forget
隠れ蓑 (kakuremino) literally means 'hiding cloak', metaphorically 'a pretext' or 'a cover'.
彼は、自らの芸術的ビジョンを実現するため、制作の細部においては弟子たちに自由な裁量を与え、任せた。
he + his own + artistic + vision + realize + for the purpose of + production + detail + in + apprentices + freedom + discretionary power + gave + entrusted
芸術的ビジョン (geijutsuteki bijon) means 'artistic vision'.
この複雑な交渉においては、経験豊富な外交官に采配を委ねるのが最善策であろう。
this + complex + negotiation + in + experience + abundant + diplomat + to + command + entrust + is + best plan + will be
外交官 (gaikōkan) means 'diplomat'.
「君の才能を信じているから、このバンドの音楽性は君に任せるよ」とリーダーは言った。
your + talent + believe + because + this + band + musicality + you + particle + entrust + sentence ending particle + leader + said
音楽性 (ongakusei) means 'musicality' or 'artistic quality of music'.
その政治家は、国民の意思を代弁するべく、最終的な政策決定権を民意に委ねる姿勢を貫いた。
that + politician + people's + will + represent + in order to + final + policy + decision-making power + people's will + entrust + stance + maintained
代弁する (daiben suru) means 'to represent' or 'to speak for'.
彼の芸術は、計算された偶然性と、無意識の領域への委ねによって、独自の深みを獲得していた。
his + art + calculated + chance + and + unconscious + realm + to + entrust + by means of + unique + depth + was acquiring
無意識の領域 (muishiki no ryōiki) refers to 'the realm of the unconscious'.
指導者は、部下の潜在能力を最大限に引き出すため、あえて過剰な介入を避け、自己決定の余地を委ねる。
leader + subordinate + latent potential + maximum + draw out + for the purpose of + deliberately + excessive + intervention + avoid + self-determination + room + entrust
潜在能力 (senzai nōryoku) means 'latent potential'.
この古典文学作品における結末の曖昧さは、読者の解釈に委ねることで、作品の多義性を担保している。
this + classical literature + work + in + ending + ambiguity + reader + interpretation + entrust + by doing + work + polysemy + guarantee + is doing
多義性 (tagisei) means 'ambiguity' or 'polysemy'.
「すべてお任せ」という言葉の裏には、しばしば、責任逃れの狡猾な意図が潜んでいることがある。
'everything leave it to me' + particle + word + behind + often + responsibility evasion + cunning + intention + is lurking + can be
狡猾な (kōkatsu na) means 'cunning' or 'sly'.
彼は、自身の創造性の限界を探るため、時に意図的にコントロールを手放し、制作プロセスを無秩序な流れに委ねた。
he + his own + creativity + limits + explore + for the purpose of + sometimes + deliberately + control + let go + production process + chaotic + flow + entrust
無秩序な流れ (muchitsujo na nagare) means 'chaotic flow' or 'disorderly stream'.
国家間の紛争解決においては、当事者間の直接交渉に委ねるだけでなく、第三者の仲介も不可欠な要素となる。
nation + between + conflict resolution + in + parties + between + direct negotiation + entrust + not only + third party + mediation + also + essential + element + become
紛争解決 (funsō kaiketsu) means 'conflict resolution'.
その指揮者は、オーケストラの各奏者の高度な技量を信頼し、微妙なニュアンスの表現を彼らに委ねることで、感動的な演奏を創り上げた。
that + conductor + orchestra + each + musician + high + skill + trust + subtle + nuance + expression + them + particle + entrusting + by doing + moving + performance + created
奏者 (sōsha) means 'performer' or 'musician'.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"お任せください"
Please leave it to me; I'll handle it.
「明日のプレゼン、大丈夫？」 「はい、<strong>お任せください</strong>！」
polite/professional"お任せ"
Leave it to me/you; whatever you/I decide.
今日のランチは<strong>お任せ</strong>で！
casual"人任せ"
Relying on others; leaving things to others.
彼は努力せず、いつも<strong>人任せ</strong>だった。
neutral/slightly negative"丸投げ"
To dump a task entirely onto someone else without guidance.
上司が仕事を<strong>丸投げ</strong>してきたので困っている。
casual/negative"采配を任せる"
To leave the command, control, or strategy to someone.
監督は、采配をベテラン選手に<strong>任せた</strong>。
formal/figurative"後を任せる"
To pass on responsibilities or leadership to a successor.
社長は、会社の<strong>後を</strong>若手に<strong>任せる</strong>ことにした。
formal/businessEasily Confused
Both can involve asking someone to do something.
頼む is a direct request ('Please do X for me'). 任せる is about entrusting the task or decision, implying the other person has control or responsibility.
「この本を読んでおいて。」(Please read this book for me.) - 頼む. 「この本は君が読むといいよ。」(It would be good if you read this book.) - 任せる (implying you trust their judgment or ability).
Both involve giving something to someone else.
預ける means to entrust something for safekeeping or care (e.g., money, child, luggage). 任せる is about delegating a task or decision.
「お金を銀行に<strong>預けた</strong>。」(I deposited money at the bank.) - 預ける. 「この仕事は彼に<strong>任せた</strong>。」(I left this job to him.) - 任せる.
Both relate to tasks and responsibilities.
引き受ける means to accept or take on a task/responsibility yourself. 任せる means to let *someone else* handle it.
「この仕事、<strong>引き受ける</strong>よ。」(I'll take on this job.) vs. 「この仕事、君に<strong>任せる</strong>よ。」(I'll leave this job to you.)
Both mean to delegate or entrust.
委任する is a formal, often legal or official term for delegating authority or specific duties. 任せる is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
「社長は権限を部長に<strong>委任した</strong>。」(The president delegated authority to the department manager.) - Formal. 「この件は彼に<strong>任せた</strong>。」(I left this matter to him.) - General.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + に + 任せる
この仕事は彼<strong>に任せる</strong>。
Verb (dictionary form) + のを任せる
選択肢を選ぶの<strong>を任せる</strong>。
お任せください
「明日の準備は<strong>お任せください</strong>。」
人任せにする
彼は何でも<strong>人任せにする</strong>。
Noun + を + Verb (past tense: 任せた)
父は私に車の運転<strong>を任せた</strong>。
词族
Nouns
Verbs
相关
How to Use It
Formality Scale
常见错误
預ける is for entrusting physical objects or people (like a child) to someone's safekeeping, not for delegating work.
任せる is about letting someone else do it, while 引き受ける is about accepting a task yourself.
The particle に marks the recipient of the entrustment.
頼む is a direct request, while 任せる is about handing over responsibility or decision-making.
任せる means to let *someone else* do it, not yourself.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'makaseru' sounds like 'make a case'. You 'make a case' for why someone else should do it because you trust them!
The Power of 'Ni'
Always remember the particle に (ni) after the person you are entrusting the task to (e.g., 彼<strong>に</strong>任せる).
Trust is Key
Using 任せる shows you value the other person's abilities and are willing to collaborate or empower them. It's a sign of a healthy relationship.
Te-Form Request
Use the te-form (任せて) to make a casual request like 'You do it!' or 'Leave it to me!'
Clear Syllables
Pronounce each syllable clearly: ma-ka-se-ru. Avoid rushing or slurring the sounds.
Don't Mix Up 'Entrust' and 'Accept'
Remember 任せる is about letting *someone else* do it, while 引き受ける is about *you* doing it.
Kanji Clue
The kanji 任 itself means 'duty' or 'trust,' giving you a direct hint about the verb's meaning.
Role-Play Practice
Imagine scenarios: a boss delegating, a friend choosing a movie, a parent giving a chore. Practice saying the sentences out loud.
Service with a Smile
Listen for お任せください in restaurants or shops. It's a standard, polite way for staff to say they'll take care of your request.
Synonym Spectrum
Learn related verbs like 頼む (request), 預ける (safekeep), and 委任する (delegate formally) to understand the nuances.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'making a case' (makaseru sounds like 'make a case') for why someone else should handle the task because you trust them completely.
Visual Association
Picture a boss handing a briefcase labeled 'Project X' to an employee with a confident smile and a thumbs-up.
Word Web
挑战
Try using 'O-makase kudasai' the next time someone asks if you can help with something small.
词源
Japanese
Original meaning: The verb is derived from the noun 'makase' (任せ), which itself comes from the kanji '任' (nin/makase), meaning 'duty,' 'task,' or 'to entrust.'
文化背景
While generally a positive term implying trust, using 'makaseru' inappropriately (e.g., dumping work without regard for the other person's workload or ability) can be seen as inconsiderate.
In English, we use phrases like 'leave it to me,' 'I'll handle it,' 'delegate,' or 'entrust.' The Japanese concept often emphasizes a smoother, more implicit understanding of trust and responsibility transfer within social hierarchies.
The phrase 'O-makase kudasai' is frequently heard in Japanese service industries (restaurants, hotels) and is a common expression of helpfulness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work (Delegating tasks)
- このプロジェクトは君に任せるよ。
- 部長に一任してください。
- 専門家に任せるのが一番だ。
With friends/family (Making decisions)
- 今日のランチは君に任せる！
- どこに行くか、お任せで。
- 宿題、手伝うよ。私に任せて。
Service situations (Offering help)
- お任せください。
- 何かありましたら、お申し付けください（お任せください）。
- お任せでお願いします。
Expressing trust or reliance
- 彼はいつも頼りになるから、彼に任せる。
- 君の才能を信じているから、音楽性は君に任せるよ。
Conversation Starters
"What kind of tasks do you usually entrust to others?"
"Have you ever felt someone completely 'dumped' a task on you (丸投げ)? How did you handle it?"
"When is it best to 'leave it to the experts' (専門家に任せる)?"
"Describe a time you confidently said 'O-makase kudasai!'"
"How important is trust when delegating tasks in a team?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you successfully delegated a task. What made it successful?
Reflect on a time you relied too much on others (人任せ). What did you learn?
Describe a situation where you had to entrust an important decision to someone else. How did you feel?
Imagine you are a manager. How would you balance delegating tasks with maintaining quality control?
常见问题
8 个问题任せる is about entrusting a task or decision, implying you have confidence or are letting someone else take charge. 頼む is a more direct request for someone to do something for you.
Use it when you want to politely offer to take responsibility for something, like in customer service or when volunteering for a task among friends.
Generally, yes, it implies trust. However, terms like 丸投げ (marunage) show the negative side of offloading work without care.
Yes, you can entrust tasks or decisions to children, like 'おやつを選ぶのを任せるよ' (I'll let you choose the snack).
It means relying on others or leaving things to others, often implying a lack of initiative or responsibility on one's own part.
Yes, the past tense is 任せた (makaseta), meaning 'entrusted' or 'left to someone'.
While 委ねる (yudaneru) is more common for abstract concepts like fate, 任せる can sometimes be used in a similar vein, especially in casual speech.
任せる is about delegating a task or decision. 預ける is about entrusting something (like money, belongings, or a child) to someone for safekeeping or care.
自我测试
この絵を描くのは、あなたに ______。
The sentence implies leaving the task of drawing the picture to someone else, which is the meaning of 任せる.
Which sentence best uses 任せる?
The second sentence correctly uses 任せる to mean entrusting the job to 'him'.
If you say 「この件は私に任せてください」, you are asking someone else to do it.
This phrase means 'Please leave this matter to me,' indicating you are taking responsibility, not asking someone else to do it.
Word
意思
These pairs match common usages and expressions related to 任せる.
The correct order forms the sentence 'このプロジェクトは君に任せるよ' (I'll leave this project to you).
彼は責任を負いたくないので、いつも ______ にする。
人任せ means relying on others or leaving things to others, which fits the context of not wanting to take responsibility.
Which is the most formal way to say 'delegate authority'?
委任する (inin suru) is the formal term for delegating authority, often in legal or official contexts.
Using 丸投げ implies a positive and supportive delegation of tasks.
丸投げ means to dump work entirely onto someone else, often without support, and carries a negative connotation.
The correct order forms the sentence '最終的な裁量権の一部はリーダーに委ねるべきだ' (Part of the final discretionary power should be entrusted to the leader).
その指揮者は、オーケストラの演奏の ______ を各奏者に委ねた。
采配 (saihai) refers to the command, control, or direction, fitting the context of a conductor entrusting musical expression.
得分： /10
Summary
任せる is about empowering others by entrusting them with tasks or decisions, reflecting trust and cooperation.
- Means 'to entrust', 'to delegate', or 'to leave to someone'.
- Implies confidence or willingness to let others take charge.
- Often used with the particle に (ni) to indicate the recipient.
- Common in work, daily life, and service contexts.
Sound Association
Remember 'makaseru' sounds like 'make a case'. You 'make a case' for why someone else should do it because you trust them!
The Power of 'Ni'
Always remember the particle に (ni) after the person you are entrusting the task to (e.g., 彼<strong>に</strong>任せる).
Trust is Key
Using 任せる shows you value the other person's abilities and are willing to collaborate or empower them. It's a sign of a healthy relationship.
Te-Form Request
Use the te-form (任せて) to make a casual request like 'You do it!' or 'Leave it to me!'
例句
この仕事は彼に任せれば大丈夫だ。
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