Translation guide
The English phrase "be entrusted with" expresses the idea of being given responsibility for something important, often with a sense of trust. In Japanese, this concept is commonly expressed using verbs like 任される (makasareru) or 委ねられる (yudanerareru), but the most natural translation depends on the context—whether it's a task, a secret, a role, or a person's care.
Expressing that someone is assigned an important task or role, often by a superior or organization.
The passive form of 任す (makasu), meaning 'to entrust'. This is the most common and natural way to say 'be entrusted with a task or duty'. It implies that someone has been given responsibility and is trusted to handle it.
彼は新しいプロジェクトを任された。
He was entrusted with a new project.
I'm happy to be entrusted with an important job.
The passive form of 委ねる (yudaneru), meaning 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone'. This is slightly more formal and often used when entrusting something abstract like a decision, fate, or authority.
最終決定は委員会に委ねられた。
The final decision was entrusted to the committee.
The passive form of 託す (takusu), meaning 'to entrust' with a strong nuance of relying on someone to carry out a wish or mission. Often used for entrusting hopes, dreams, or important messages.
彼は社長から会社の再建を託された。
He was entrusted with the rebuilding of the company by the president.
Literally 'to bear responsibility'. This phrase focuses on the responsibility aspect rather than the act of being entrusted. It's useful when emphasizing accountability.
彼はそのプロジェクトの責任を負っている。
He is entrusted with the responsibility for that project.
Expressing that someone is entrusted with a physical object, money, or a secret to keep safe.
Means 'to take care of' or 'to keep' something for someone. It implies temporary custody and is the most natural choice for being entrusted with physical items or money.
隣人に鍵を預かっています。
I've been entrusted with the neighbor's key.
彼は多額の寄付金を預かった。
He was entrusted with a large sum of donation money.
Can also be used for being entrusted with something valuable, but it emphasizes the trust and responsibility more than the physical safekeeping.
彼女は会社の機密情報を任されている。
She is entrusted with the company's confidential information.
Expressing that someone is given the responsibility of looking after a child, student, or dependent.
Commonly used for looking after children or pets temporarily. It implies a sense of duty and care.
彼女は妹の子供を預かっている。
She is entrusted with the care of her sister's child.
Used when someone is given broader responsibility for a person's education or development, such as a teacher or mentor.
彼は新入社員の教育を任された。
He was entrusted with the training of new employees.
Expressing that someone is given authority over a location or event while the usual person is away.
A set phrase meaning 'to look after a place in someone's absence'. It's the idiomatic way to say you're entrusted with a house, office, or shop while the owner is away.
彼は店の留守を預かっている。
He is entrusted with looking after the shop.
Can also be used for being left in charge, but 留守を預かる is more specific and natural for temporary absence.
会議の進行を任された。
I was entrusted with running the meeting.
These three verbs all translate to 'be entrusted with', but they have different nuances. 任される (makasareru) is the most general and commonly used for tasks and responsibilities. 委ねられる (yudanerareru) is more formal and often used for abstract things like authority or decisions. 託される (takusareru) carries a strong emotional weight, implying that someone's hopes or final wishes are being entrusted to you.
English speakers might try to directly translate 'be entrusted with' using 信頼される (shinrai sareru, 'be trusted') or 信用される (shinyō sareru, 'be relied on'), but these do not convey the meaning of being given responsibility. Stick to the verbs above for natural Japanese.