仰せつかる

• Reading: おおせつかる
• Romaji: oosetsukaru
• Kanji breakdown: 仰 (gyō/ōse) — look up to, command (honorific); 付 (fu/tsu) — receive, be given
• Pronunciation: /o.o.se.t͡sɯ.ka.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be ordered; to receive a command from a superior. A humble expression used when one has been assigned an important duty by someone of higher status.

A Group 1 (godan) humble (謙譲語) verb. 仰せ is the honorific noun form of おっしゃる (to say/command, said of superiors), and つかる is a passive-like suffix meaning 'to be given.' Together they express deep respect for the person issuing the order while the speaker humbly receives it. Used in formal business language, historical narratives, and ceremonial contexts. The speaker performs the humbling act of acknowledging the superior's authority.

Examples

1. 大役を仰せつかり、身が引き締まる思いだ。 Having been entrusted with such an important role, I feel a renewed sense of resolve.
2. 社長から重要な任務を仰せつかって、身に余る光栄です。 I have been assigned a critical mission by the president — it is an honor beyond what I deserve.
3. 幕府の重臣から密命を仰せつかった忍者が、任務に就いた。 A ninja who had received a secret order from a high-ranking retainer of the shogunate set out on his mission.

Usage Guide

Context: business, historical fiction, ceremony, hierarchy

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 仰せ (oose, an honorific for a superior's words or command, from 仰ぐ meaning to look up to) and つかる (tsukaru, a passive-receptive suffix). The construction is classical and reflects the hierarchical language system of feudal Japan.

Cultural Context

Era: Feudal–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Formal/Business