Translation guide
A person, typically a boy or young man, employed to run errands. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific job titles or descriptive phrases, depending on the context and level of formality.
To refer to a boy or young man employed to carry messages, deliver goods, or perform small tasks.
A common, slightly informal term for someone who runs errands, often implying a low-level position. Can be used for a boy or young man.
彼は会社で使い走りをしている。
He works as an errand boy at the company.
Literally 'errand', but can refer to a child or person sent on an errand. Often used in a domestic or casual context.
子供の頃、よくお母さんのお使いをした。
When I was a child, I often ran errands for my mother.
Slang term derived from 'hashiri' (running), used for someone who is made to run errands, often with a negative connotation of being bossed around.
先輩にパシリにされた。
I was made into an errand boy by my senior.
To refer to a historical or formal role of a boy employed to run errands, such as in a shop or office.
Historically used for a young apprentice or errand boy in a shop. Now somewhat dated but still understood.
彼は呉服屋の小僧として働き始めた。
He started working as an errand boy at a kimono shop.
An apprentice or errand boy in a merchant house, especially during the Edo period. Very specific historical term.
To describe someone who is acting as an errand boy without using a specific job title.
A simple, neutral phrase meaning 'a person who goes on errands'. Can be used for anyone, not just boys.
彼はよくお使いに行く人だ。
He is often the one who runs errands.
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned phrase for a messenger or person sent on an errand. Not specifically a boy.
使いの者が参りました。
An errand boy has arrived.
The English phrase 'errand boy' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like '用事の少年' would sound unnatural. Choose a term based on context and formality.
使い走り is a neutral term for someone who runs errands, while パシリ is slang with a negative nuance of being exploited. Use パシリ only in very casual, often humorous contexts.
彼はただの使い走りだ。
He's just an errand boy.
あいつは俺のパシリだ。
That guy is my errand boy (slang).
The errand boy cleaned the shop from early morning.