ichidan verb, transitive verb
Used when someone in authority tells another person to do something. Often implies a command or instruction from a superior.
母は私に買い物を言いつけた。
My mother told me to go shopping.
上司が部下に資
The boss instructs his subordinate to organize the documents.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Inform on someone's misbehavior to a person in authority. Often used in contexts like children telling a teacher or parent.
弟は私のいたずらを母に言いつけた。
My little brother told on me to our mother for my prank.
彼は同僚の遅刻を上司に言いつけた。
He reported his colleague's lateness to the boss.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
often say; be used to saying
Indicates a habitual or repeated action of saying something. Often used in the form 言いつけている.
祖母は「若いうちに勉強しなさい」と言いつけている。
My grandmother often says, 'Study while you're young.'
彼は口癖のように「時間がない」と言いつける。
He habitually says, 'I don't have time,' like a catchphrase.