Translation guide
A gofer is a person who runs errands, fetches items, or does minor tasks for someone else, often in a workplace. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various terms describe roles involving errands, assistance, or menial tasks. The best choice depends on context, formality, and the relationship between the people involved.
To refer to someone, often a junior employee or assistant, whose main role is to fetch things, deliver messages, or handle small tasks.
Slang term for someone who is made to run errands, often with a nuance of being bossed around. Common in casual conversation, especially among young people or in informal workplace settings. Can carry a slightly negative or pitiful connotation.
彼は先輩のパシリにされている。
He's being used as a gofer by his seniors.
新入りはいつもパシリだ。
The new guy is always the gofer.
A more standard term for an errand runner. Less slangy than パシリ, but still implies a low-level role. Can be used in both casual and slightly formal contexts.
彼はただの使い走りじゃない。
He's not just a gofer.
Literally 'errand person in charge.' A softer, somewhat childish or playful term. Might be used in a family context or light-hearted office banter.
今日は私がお使い係ね。
I'm the gofer today.
To describe a role in a company where a person supports others by doing various small tasks, often as part of their job.
Refers to a person in charge of odd jobs or miscellaneous tasks. Common in office settings. Can be used neutrally, but may imply a low-status position.
彼は部署の雑用係として働いている。
He works as a gofer for the department.
Means 'general affairs' or 'administrative tasks.' Often used in job titles like 庶務担当 (general affairs staff). More formal and less derogatory than パシリ.
彼女は庶務の仕事をしている。
She does gofer work (general affairs).
To emphasize the act of going out to fetch or deliver something, often as a one-time task rather than a permanent role.
Literally 'person who goes on an errand.' A straightforward, neutral description. Can be used for anyone, not necessarily a designated gofer.
お使いに行く人を探している。
I'm looking for someone to run an errand (a gofer).
Specifically refers to someone in charge of shopping or purchasing supplies. Common in offices, schools, or event planning.
買い出し係は誰？
Who's the gofer for supplies?
To highlight the unfair or exploitative aspect of being a gofer, often in hierarchical settings like schools or traditional companies.
Means 'underling' or 'low-ranking person.' Implies being at the bottom of the hierarchy and thus given gofer tasks. Can be derogatory.
下っ端はいつもこき使われる。
The gofer (underling) is always bossed around.
Literally 'handyman' or 'convenience person.' Can refer to someone who does odd jobs, but when used for a person in a group, it implies they are treated as a gofer for everyone's convenience.
There is no exact Japanese word for 'gofer.' Using a literal translation like ゴーファー (gōfā) will not be understood. Choose a term based on the specific nuance you want to convey.
パシリ is slangier and often implies being forced to run errands against one's will. 使い走り is more neutral and can simply describe the role. In formal settings, avoid パシリ.
Loanword from English 'assistant.' Often implies a broader support role, but can include gofer duties. Common in modern offices.
アシスタントとして、コピー取りやお茶くみもする。
As an assistant, I also do gofer tasks like making copies and serving tea.
He's the class gofer.