Translation guide
The English verb 'entrust' means to give someone responsibility for something valuable or important, trusting them to take care of it. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is being entrusted and the relationship. Common verbs include 任せる (leave to someone), 預ける (leave in someone's care), and 委託する (formally entrust). Often, the person entrusted is marked with に.
You give someone the authority or freedom to handle a task, make a decision, or take charge, trusting their judgment.
The most common and versatile verb for entrusting a task, decision, or responsibility to someone. It implies trusting the person to handle it as they see fit.
この仕事は彼に任せよう。
Let's entrust this job to him.
細かいことは君に任せる。
I'll leave the details to you.
A polite phrase often used in restaurants or when deferring a choice to an expert. Literally 'I leave it to you'.
料理はシェフにお任せします。
I'll leave the meal to the chef.
Formal term meaning to entrust entirely, often used in business or legal contexts.
交渉は弁護士に一任した。
I entrusted the negotiations entirely to my lawyer.
You give a physical object, money, or a person to someone for safekeeping or temporary care.
Used for leaving money, luggage, keys, children, etc., with someone for safekeeping. Focuses on the act of placing something in another's custody.
荷物をホテルに預けてもいいですか。
Can I leave my luggage at the hotel?
子供を近所の人に預けて出かけた。
I left my child with a neighbor and went out.
A more literary or formal verb for entrusting something precious, often with emotional weight. Can also be used for entrusting hopes or feelings.
Formal term for entrusting something under a contract or official arrangement, such as consigning goods or delegating authority.
販売を代理店に委託する。
Entrust sales to an agent.
You assign a responsibility, position, or mission to someone, often in an official capacity.
Formal verb meaning to appoint or entrust someone with a duty or role. Often used in official contexts.
彼を重要な役職に任じた。
They entrusted him with an important position.
Means to order or command, but can imply entrusting with a task, especially in military or hierarchical settings.
任せる is for intangible things like tasks, decisions, or authority. 預ける is for tangible things or people you leave in someone's physical care. Using 預ける for a task sounds unnatural.
仕事を任せる (○) / 仕事を預ける (✕)
entrust a job (correct / incorrect)
In casual English, we often say 'I'll leave it to you' or 'I'll let you handle it.' Japanese uses 任せる very naturally in these situations. Overusing formal equivalents like 委託する can sound stiff.
彼に秘密を託した。
I entrusted him with my secret.
彼に特別任務を命じた。
He was entrusted with a special mission.