御用聞き
ご
よ
う
き
き
Meanings
1
door-to-door rounds of tradesmen
Refers to the practice of tradesmen visiting homes to take orders or offer services. Often used in historical or traditional contexts.
In the old days, door-to-door tradesmen used to come almost every day.
2
door-to-door tradesman; order taker
A person who goes from house to house taking orders or selling goods. Can also refer to the act of order-taking.
The liquor store's order taker came to take orders.
3
thief taker; secret policeman (historical)
Historical term for a low-ranking Edo-period police officer who investigated crimes and made arrests. Cross-referenced with 岡っ引き.
See also: 岡っ引き
The thief taker, also called okappiki, caught criminals in Edo towns.