Do an errand Meaning in English
expression
ˈdu/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɛɹənd
DOO an ERR-und
dʉː/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈɛɹənd
DOO un ERR-und
Definition
To go somewhere and complete a small task or chore, usually outside the home, like shopping, picking something up, or paying a bill.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal and used in everyday speech. Common in 'do an errand', 'run an errand'. Refers to practical tasks outside the home. 'Errand' is rarely used outside these phrases.
Spanish: hacer un recado - hacer un mandadoPortuguese (BR): fazer uma tarefa de rua - fazer um favor (compras)Portuguese (PT): fazer um recado - tratar de um assunto (fora de casa)Chinese (Simplified): 办差事 - 跑腿Chinese (Traditional): 辦差事 - 跑腿Hindi: कोई काम करना (बाहर जाकर)Arabic: أداء مهمة سريعة - قضاء مشوارBengali: কোনো কাজ করা (বাইরে গিয়ে)Russian: сходить по поручению - выполнять поручениеJapanese: 用事をする - おつかいをするVietnamese: đi làm việc vặtKorean: 심부름하다Turkish: bir iş görmek - ayak işi yapmakUrdu: کوئی کام کرنا (باہر جا کر)Indonesian: menjalankan tugas - melakukan keperluan
Example Sentences
I need to do an errand before dinner.
basic
She went out to do an errand for her mother.
basic
Can you do an errand for me after school?
basic
I'll be back in 20 minutes—I just have to do an errand.
natural
Saturdays are perfect to do an errand or two around town.
natural
Can you wait a bit? I just need to do an errand at the pharmacy.
natural