1.
official approval, authorization, endorsement
Official recognition or guarantee from an authority. Originally referred to documents bearing an official seal in feudal Japan.
医者のお墨付きをもらった。
I got the doctor's seal of approval.
専門家のお墨付きがある商品だ。
It's a product endorsed by experts.
社長のお墨付きで企画が通った。
The project was approved with the president's endorsement.
お墨付き conveys the idea of authoritative endorsement — approval from someone whose opinion carries weight. It adds a sense of trustworthiness or credibility.
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally referred to documents bearing an official black ink (墨) seal or signature from feudal lords or the shogunate. The お prefix adds politeness.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜のお墨付きをもらう: to get approval/endorsement from ~
- お墨付きを与える: to give one's seal of approval
- お墨付きがある: to have official approval
- お墨付き付き: endorsed, with official approval
USAGE:
Often used with authority figures: 医者のお墨付き (doctor's approval), 専門家のお墨付き (expert endorsement), 社長のお墨付き (president's approval). Can be used somewhat humorously or ironically.