使い

つかい
Alternative writings: 遣い
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

an errand; the act of going on an errand (doing a requested task or delivery for someone).

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 behalf of the company.

2

a messenger; a bearer; someone sent to carry a message or perform an errand.

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 deliver a letter to the village.

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 haven't returned yet.

3

a familiar spirit or demon used by a magician (a supernatural attendant).

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.

4

a suffix meaning 'use; usage' or 'a person who uses or handles X' (e.g., 言葉づかい, 魔法使い). Often read づかい when used as a suffix.

Noun (Suffix)Noun (Prefix)

Examples

言葉づかいには気を付けてください。

Please be careful with your choice of words / how you speak.

彼は魔法使いの役を演じた。

He played the role of a magician.

筆遣いで書道の個性が分かる。

You can see someone's style in calligraphy from their brushwork.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Derivations