Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Entrust" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "entrust", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
委託
いたく (itaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
委ねる
ゆだねる (yudaneru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "entrust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 委託 and 委ねる.
In Japanese, 委託 (いたく (itaku)) is typically associated with "entrust; commission" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 業務や資産などを「第三者に任せる」というフォーマルな状況で使われます。Used in formal situations to mean 'entrusting' tasks or assets to a third party..
On the other hand, 委ねる (ゆだねる (yudaneru)) maps to "to entrust, to leave to, to commit to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 責任や判断、決定などを他人に任せる、任せきりにするという意味。重要な事柄に使うことが多い。. A literal translation of "entrust" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "委託"
彼は銀行に資産の運用を委託した。
He entrusted the bank with the management of his assets.
Bilingual Context for "委ねる"
その計画の成否は、彼の手腕に委ねられた。
The success or failure of that plan was entrusted to his skill.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は銀行に資産の運用を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He entrusted the bank with the management of his assets.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "委託" fits here because it means "entrust; commission" in the context of: "He entrusted the bank with the management of his assets.". "委ねる" represents "to entrust, to leave to, to commit to".