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2009.09.14
Welcome back!
There's something about the coming of autumn that encourages deep reflection. What a perfect time, then, to take a serious look at the English language!
This week we bring you a set of expressions that do double-duty in everyday communication. Believe us when we tell you that this is very useful stuff!
(RUN AN) ERRAND お使い（に行く）
- An errand is a small job that involves making a short trip, such as going to the post office to send a package or picking something up at a store.
To run an errand is to do a small job of this kind. - errand とは、郵便局へ小包を送りに行ったり、お店で何かを買ったりなど、短い外出を含む小さな仕事、つまり、お使いのことです。
run an errand は、そのような小さな仕事をする、つまり、お使いに行く、という意味です。
- I'll be back in a little while. I've got some errands to do.
- (seeing a friend at a government office)
a: What brings you to this part of town? (= Why are you here?)
b: I'm on an errand for my supervisor. - There's a very cute reality show broadcast on Japanese TV once in a while. It follows small children after their parents send them on their first errand.
- (father to daughter)
I have to run a couple of errands downtown. Do you want to come with me?
Gotta run!