Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “commission” in Japanese. Whether you are a traveler, language enthusiast, or simply curious about different languages, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this term in Japanese. We’ll also provide you with various tips, examples, and a brief overview of any regional variations that might exist. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Commission” in Japanese
Japanese is known for its honorific language and different levels of formality. Here are some formal words commonly used for “commission” in Japanese:
1. オーダー (Ōdā)
When requesting a professional service, such as commissioning an artwork or ordering a custom-made product, “オーダー” is a widely used term. It implies a formal request with specific requirements or expectations.
Example: 私はアーティストに絵をオーダーしました。(Watashi wa ātisuto ni e o ōdā shimashita.)
I commissioned an artist to paint a picture.
2. 委託 (Itaku)
For business-related commissions or situations where one party entrusts another with a specific task, “委託” is commonly used. This term conveys the idea of commissioning someone’s professional services.
Example: 弊社は外部の専門家に調査を委託しました。(Bessha wa gaibu no senmonka ni chōsa o itaku shimashita.)
Our company commissioned an external specialist for the investigation.
Informal Ways to Say “Commission” in Japanese
If you are in a casual environment or conversing with friends, you can use these informal expressions to convey the concept of “commission” in Japanese:
1. 頼む (Tanomu)
“頼む” is a versatile term that means to ask for a favor or make a request. In informal conversations, you can use it to express a commission as well.
Example: 絵を描いてもらいたいから、友達に頼んだよ。(E o kaitte moraitai kara, tomodachi ni tanonda yo.)
I asked my friend to draw a picture for me.
2. 依頼 (Irai)
For informal commission requests that are closer to favors, “依頼” is a suitable term. It conveys a sense of asking someone for help without the strict formality of the previous examples.
Example: 引っ越しの手伝いを友達に依頼しました。(Hikkoshi no tetsudai o tomodachi ni irai shimashita.)
I commissioned my friend to help me with the move.
Regional Variations
The above expressions are commonly used throughout Japan. However, it’s important to note that there may be slight regional variations in vocabulary and phrasing. It is advisable to use the formal expressions listed earlier to ensure clear communication, especially when dealing with professionals or in business contexts.
Summary and Key Points
In this guide, we’ve explored the different ways to say “commission” in Japanese, focusing on both formal and informal expressions. Keep these key points in mind:
- Formal ways to express “commission” in Japanese include オーダー (Ōdā) and 委託 (Itaku).
- Informal ways to convey the concept of “commission” in Japanese are 頼む (Tanomu) and 依頼 (Irai).
- Regional variations exist, but using formal expressions will ensure clearer communication.
Remember, language is a tool for connecting with others, so embrace the opportunity to learn and use these terms when appropriate. Enjoy your journey of discovering the richness of the Japanese language and culture!