1.
errand, business, matter to attend to
Something that needs to be done or dealt with.
用事があるので、失礼します。
I have some business to attend to, so excuse me.
今日は用事がたくさんある。
I have a lot of errands today.
用事が終わったら連絡するので、待っていてください。
I'll contact you when I'm done with my errands, so please wait.
用事 refers to things one needs to do, from errands to appointments.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 用事がある: to have something to do
- 用事があるので: because I have something to do
- 用事を済ませる: to finish one's errands
- 用事を思い出す: to remember something one needs to do
USAGE:
Often used as a polite way to decline invitations or explain why you need to leave. It's vague enough to avoid giving details.
Example: 用事があるので、お先に失礼します。
(I have something to attend to, so please excuse me.)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 仕事: work, job (more specific)
- 予定: plans, schedule