所用(しょよう)

A polite, somewhat formal word used to refer to business or errands without going into specifics. Convenient for declining invitations or explaining absences without revealing personal details.

Common collocations

• 所用(しょよう)で出(で)かける: to go out on business
• 所用(しょよう)のため: due to personal business
• 所用(しょよう)があって: because I have something to do
• 所用(しょよう)を済(す)ませる: to take care of one's business

Similar words

• 用事(ようじ): errand, something to do — more casual and everyday
• 用件(ようけん): matter of business — more formal, often used in business contexts
• 私用(しよう): personal business — specifically emphasizes it is private, not work-related

Usage

所用(しょよう) is vaguer and more polite than 用事(ようじ). It is often used in formal or business settings when one does not wish to explain the specific reason for an absence.