The Meaning of azukaru [預かる] In Japanese

預かる
あずかる
Romaji: azukaru N5

What does 預かる mean?

Translation and Meaning

to entrust, to keep in custody, to look after, to store

Definition

預かる means to be entrusted with something or to keep it in one’s care for someone else, acting as custodian or caretaker in various practical situations.

Type

verb (godan, 五段動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • to be entrusted with something or someone; to hold in custody
  • to look after or take care of something for another person
  • to store or keep safely for safekeeping
  • to assume responsibility, such as taking charge of a task or person

Composition

  • 預: to deposit, entrust; in advance
  • かる: okurigana forming the verb ending
  • Together they convey taking custody or responsibility for something on someone’s behalf

Usage

Used in everyday and formal contexts to express custodial responsibility or temporary possession; typically with を to mark the object that is entrusted or kept; polite speech uses お預かりします and お預かりください; often appears in phrases describing temporary possession or responsibility.
💡 Tips
  • Mnemonic: azu sounds like a zoo keeper who safely stores items for others

Variations

  • azukaru (あずかる) — to be entrusted with, to look after
  • azukeru (あずける) — to entrust to someone
  • hokan suru (保管する) — to store safely
  • hikiukeru (引き受ける) — to undertake or take on responsibility

Example Phrases

  • 友人の猫を預かることになった。
    Yūjin no neko o azukaru koto ni natta.
    I ended up taking care of my friend’s cat.
    Lista:
    • 友人 (yūjin) – friend
    • の (no) – possessive marker
    • 猫 (neko) – cat
    • を (o) – object marker
    • 預かる (azukaru) – to look after
    • こと (koto) – nominalizer
    • に (ni) – to/into (particle)
    • なった (natta) – became
    Core point: o verbo 「預かる」 significa look after; neste contexto usa を para marcar o objeto (友人の猫を預かる). 「ことになった」 indica acordo/decisão.
預かる