用事

• Reading: ようじ
• Romaji: youji
• Kanji breakdown: 用 (you) — business, use; 事 (ji) — matter, thing
• Pronunciation: /joː.dʑi/

Meaning

Errand; things to do; business to take care of.

A common everyday noun used when explaining you have something to do. Often used as a reason for declining invitations: 用事がある (I have something to do). Less formal than 用件 (business matter).

Examples

1. 今日は用事があるので行けません。 I can't go today because I have an errand to run.
2. 用事が終わったら連絡します。 I'll contact you once I'm done with my errands.
3. 朝から用事が多くて忙しい。 I've been busy with a lot of things to do since this morning.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, declining invitations, scheduling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 用 (business, use) and 事 (matter, thing).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal