Translation and Meaning of: 委託 - itaku

If you have ever needed to consign goods or entrust a task to someone in Japan, you have probably encountered the term 委託 (いたく, itaku). This word is essential for understanding business transactions, logistics, and even trust relationships in the Japanese world. In this article, we will explore its etymology, practical use, and even curiosities about how this kanji has become part of everyday business life. And if you use Anki for studying, get ready to add real examples to your deck!

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 委託, let's dive into its pictogram, understand why it is so common in contracts, and how to memorize it effortlessly. Did you know that this term even appears in business mangas? That's right, it goes far beyond the dictionary. And if you have ever wondered how the Japanese view the idea of "trusting something to third parties," this is the place to find out.

The Origin and Structure of the Kanji 委託

The kanji 委 (い, i) carries the idea of "delegating" or "entrusting," while 託 (たく, taku) means "handing over" or "depositing." Together, they form a powerful concept: the action of transferring responsibility. Interestingly, the radical of 委 (woman under a roof) suggests care, while 託 has the radical of word (言), indicating a verbal agreement. It's no wonder that consignment contracts in Japan are taken so seriously!

In the Edo period, merchants already used systems similar to itaku to sell goods through intermediaries. This history explains why the word is still common today in department stores, where products from small manufacturers are displayed on a consignment basis. The kanji reflects a culture that values mutual trust in commercial transactions.

Practical Use in Japanese Daily Life

In Tokyo, it's easy to see ments for 委託販売 (itaku hanbai) in the windows of used bookstores or record shops. Here, the owner of the goods delivers them to the establishment, which only pays after the sale – a system that reduces risks for both parties. Companies like Mercari also operate under this model, but with digital platforms. Have you thought about cong that collection of old mangas?

Outside of commerce, the term appears in unexpected contexts. Lawyers talk about 事件を委託する (entrusting a case), while in the real estate sector, managers take over properties under a 管理委託 contract. Even in your favorite konbini, some perishable foods arrive through this system. It is one of those words that reveals how Japanese society is organized behind the scenes.

Tips for Memorization and Common Mistakes

An infallible way to 委託 is to associate the first kanji with "committee" (委員会) – where tasks are delegated – and the second with "to deliver" as in 預託 (deposit). Be careful with the trap of writing 依頼 (request) instead: while both involve third parties, 委託 implies an effective transfer of control. I've seen students stumble over this when translating contractual clauses!

To practice, how about creating sentences like この商品を委託します (I will consign this product) or 委託料は20%です (The consignment fee is 20%)? Jot it down on a post-it with a drawing of a store receiving goods – the visual helps! And when you encounter the term in a business drama, you'll immediately grasp the conflict: someone is trusting too much or charging too much for the intermediary service.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 委任 (inin) - Delegate authority or responsibility.
• 任せる (makaseru) - Entrust the responsibility to someone.
• 任命する (ninmei suru) - Asg or designating someone to a position.
• 信任する (shinin suru) - To trust or have faith in someone.
• 委ねる (yudaneru) - To submit or entrust something to someone, generally with a sense of total surrender.