Translation and Meaning of: 任せる - makaseru

「任せる」 (makaseru) is a Japanese verb that means "to entrust" or "to leave it to someone else." The word is often used to describe the act of delegating tasks or responsibilities to another person. In the Japanese language, this expression carries subtle nuances of mutual trust and responsibility, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

The etymology of 「任せる」 traces back to the kanji 「任」, which means "responsibility" or "duty". This kanji consists of the radical 人 (ninben), representing a "person", and 「壬」 (jin), which is an ideogram that, in this context, reinforces the idea of responsibility or obligation. The verb is often accompanied by various polite and informal forms in the Japanese language, such as in the expressions「お任せします」 (o-makase shimasu), usually used in formal situations to indicate that someone is handing over control to another person.

Historically, the practice of 「任せる」 has deep cultural roots in Japan, where trust and delegation are essential in various social spheres, from the workplace to family dynamics. In a professional context, for example, this word can be seen in teamwork practices, where tasks are distributed based on trust among team . In personal situations, it is common to hear「任せて」(makasete), which conveys a friendly sense of trust in allowing someone to take care of something on your behalf.

Moreover, 「任せる」 has several useful forms and derivations, such as the expression 「任せにする」 (makase ni suru), which can be used to indicate that something is entrusted to someone voluntarily. This cultural practice of trust and delegation is also often seen in culinary contexts, notably in omakase-style restaurants, where the choice of dishes is left to the chef, demonstrating deep trust in the other's expertise. In this way, the word 「任せる」 not only expresses an action but also encapsulates fundamental aspects of social interactions in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 託す (takusu) - To delegate or trust something to someone, often related to responsibilities.
• 任す (makasu) - Delegate or entrust a task, allowing the other person to make decisions about it.
• 委ねる (yudaneru) - To trust or to entrust something to someone, transferring authority or responsibility.
• 預ける (azukeru) - To entrust something to someone, usually an object or care, hoping that it will be handled safely.
• 信頼する (shinrai suru) - To trust someone, based on a relationship of trust and security.