Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Entrust" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "entrust", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預ける
預ける (azukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
委託
いたく (itaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "entrust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預ける and 委託.
In Japanese, 預ける (預ける (azukeru)) is typically associated with "to entrust, to deposit, to check (luggage)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To leave something.
On the other hand, 委託 (いたく (itaku)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "entrust" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預ける"
銀行にお金を預けました。
I deposited money at the bank.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行にお金を預けました。" (Meaning: "I deposited money at the bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預ける" fits here because it means "to entrust, to deposit, to check (luggage)" in the context of: "I deposited money at the bank.". "委託" represents "entrust; commission".