What does “run errands” mean in English?

When you “run errands,” you go out to complete small tasks in different places. In the video, the speaker says her class was cancelled and she is going to “run errands instead.” Common errands include going to the supermarket, the pharmacy, the post office, or the bank. The word “errand” means a short trip to do a specific task. “Run errands” is by far the most common phrase, especially in American English.

The verb “run” in this phrase does not mean move fast. It means do something with purpose and efficiency. You can say “run an errand” (one task) or “run errands” (several tasks). For example: “I need to run a few errands before dinner” or “She spent the afternoon running errands.” This phrase is very common in American and British English, and you will hear it often in everyday conversation and vlog content. It is a neutral, informal phrase — fine in any casual setting.