Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Borrow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "borrow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かりる
かりる (kariru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
拝借する
はいしゃくする (haishaku suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "borrow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かりる and 拝借する.
In Japanese, かりる (かりる (kariru)) is typically associated with "to borrow" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when you temporarily receive and use something from another person..
On the other hand, 拝借する (はいしゃくする (haishaku suru)) maps to "to borrow (humble form of 借りる)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Humble verb. Used when the speaker borrows something from a superior or someone they respect.. A literal translation of "borrow" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かりる"
図書館で本を借りました。
I borrowed a book from the library.
Bilingual Context for "拝借する"
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ペンを拝借できますでしょうか。
I apologize for bothering you while you're busy, but may I (humbly) borrow your pen?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "図書館で本を借りました。" (Meaning: "I borrowed a book from the library.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かりる" fits here because it means "to borrow" in the context of: "I borrowed a book from the library.". "拝借する" represents "to borrow (humble form of 借りる)".