お使いを頼む

• Reading: おつかいをたのむ
• Romaji: otsukai wo tanomu
• Kanji breakdown: 使 (tsuka/shi) — use, send; 頼 (tano/rai) — request, rely on
• Pronunciation: /o.tsɯ.ka.i.wo.ta.no.mɯ/

Meaning

To send someone on an errand; to ask someone to run an errand.

A phrase combining お使い (errand, with the honorific お prefix) and 頼む (to ask/request). Commonly used in household and family contexts, especially when parents send children to buy something. Can also be used in workplace settings.

Examples

1. 母に近くのスーパーまでお使いを頼まれた。 My mom asked me to run an errand to the nearby supermarket.
2. 子供にお使いを頼むのは良い経験になる。 Sending a child on an errand is a valuable experience.
3. 忙しいので同僚にお使いを頼んだ。 Since I was busy, I asked a coworker to run an errand.

Usage Guide

Context: family life, daily errands, workplace

Tone: casual

Origin & History

お使い (honorific prefix お + 使い from 使う, to use/send) + を (object particle) + 頼む (to request). A traditional domestic expression reflecting family dynamics.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal