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
委嘱
いしょく (ishoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "entrust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 委託 and 委嘱.
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, 委嘱 (いしょく (ishoku)) maps to "entrust, commission, delegation" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies formally entrusting a task, duty, or position to someone, often an expert or for a temporary advisory role.. 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 "委嘱"
専門家に調査を委嘱する。
To commission an expert to conduct a survey.
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.". "委嘱" represents "entrust, commission, delegation".