使い

つかい
Alternative writings: 遣い
JLPT:N1
Frequency:

1An errand — the act of going somewhere to carry out a task or delivery that someone has asked of you.

Noun

Examples

母に頼まれて、駅まで使いに行った。

I ran an errand to the station because my mother asked me to.

ちょっと使いを出してくるから、ここで待ってて。

I'm going to run a quick errand, so wait here.

会社の使いで領収書を取りに行った。

I went to pick up the receipt on an errand for the company.

2A messenger or bearer — someone sent to carry a message, deliver something, or perform an errand on another's behalf.

Noun

Examples

村の使いが王様からの手紙を届けに来た。

A messenger from the king came to the village to deliver a letter.

急用で使いを出したが、まだ帰ってこない。

I sent someone on an urgent errand, but they still haven't come back.

3(informal, in stories/folklore) A familiar spirit — a supernatural attendant that serves a magician or sorcerer.

Noun

Examples

物語の中で彼の使いは黒い猫だった。

In the story, his familiar was a black cat.

4A suffix meaning 'use/usage' or 'a person who handles X' — attached after a noun (e.g., 言葉づかい 'way of speaking', 魔法使い 'sorcerer'). Often pronounced づかい in this suffix use.

Noun (Suffix)Noun (Prefix)

Examples

言葉づかいには気を付けてください。

Please be mindful of your choice of words.

彼は魔法使いの役を演じた。

He played the role of a sorcerer.

筆遣いを見れば、その人の書道の個性が分かる。

You can tell someone's calligraphy style from their brushwork.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Derivations