What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 私に任せて is composed of watashi (I/me), the particle ni (to) and the te-form of makaseru (to entrust or to leave to someone).
Which one should you use?
While watashi ni makasete is a standard way to say "leave it to me", the subject watashi ni is often omitted in natural conversation if the context is already clear.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression 任せて is a shorter, informal way to say "Leave it to me." For a more casual and colloquial tone used among friends or by someone in a position of authority, you can use 任せといて. Male speakers in informal situations often use 俺に任せろ to say "Leave it to me" or "Let me handle it." If you are speaking to a superior or in a formal setting, use the polite form 私にお任せください or add ください to the end of the standard phrase to create 私に任せてください, which means "Please leave it to me."
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding kudasai to the end of the phrase makes it a polite request or offer, which is suitable for use with superiors or in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi ni makasete
Did you know?
- In Japanese media, a character shouting 任せろ (makasero) is a classic trope for a dependable hero or a reliable sidekick arriving at the climax of a scene.
- While English speakers often say 'I've got this', the Japanese 任せて emphasizes the act of the other person letting go of the burden rather than the speaker's possession of the task.
- The casual version 任せといて (makasetoite) contains a contracted form of oku, a verb used to indicate that something is done in preparation for the future.
Examples in context
- 手抜き料理なら、私に任せて！If you are looking for easy cooking, leave it to me!This example shows how to use 私に任せて when offering to handle easy cooking.Tatoeba #10350473 by small_snow, translation #10359828 by terrywallwork
- 折り紙なら、私に任せて！それ以外は、できないけど……。If it's origami, you can leave it to me! I can't do anything other than that, though…This example shows how to use 私に任せて to express confidence in a specific skill like origami.Tatoeba #8567722 by small_snow, translation #10839668 by end
- あとの掃除は、私に任せて。Ato no souji wa, watashi ni makasete.Leave the rest of the cleaning to me.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Youta and Yui are planning a surprise party.
- 陽太 Yotaケーキの予約、やってくれる？Keeki no yoyaku, yatte kureru?Can you handle the cake reservation?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、私に任せて！Un, watashi ni makasete!Yeah, leave it to me!
- 陽太 Yota結衣は本当に頼もしいね。Yui wa hontou ni tanomoshii ne.Yui, you are really reliable.
- 結衣 Yui陽太も手伝ってね。Youta mo tetsudatte ne.You help too, Youta.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
