Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Borrow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "borrow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
借りる
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 借りる and 拝借する.
In Japanese, 借りる (かりる (kariru)) is typically associated with "to borrow" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 人から物やお金などを一時的に受け取って使うときに使います。Polite form is 借ります.
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 "借りる"
図書館で本を借ります。
I borrow books 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す。" (Meaning: "I borrow books from the library.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "借りる" fits here because it means "to borrow" in the context of: "I borrow books from the library.". "拝借する" represents "to borrow (humble form of 借りる)".