Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Lend" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "lend", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
貸す
かす (kasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
貸し出す
かしだす (kashidasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lend" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 貸す and 貸し出す.
In Japanese, 貸す (かす (kasu)) is typically associated with "to lend, to rent out" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Opposite of 借りる.
On the other hand, 貸し出す (かしだす (kashidasu)) maps to "to lend out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To lend something. A literal translation of "lend" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "貸す"
友達に本を貸しました。
I lent a book to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "貸し出す"
図書館で本を貸し出している。
The library lends out books.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達に本を貸しました。" (Meaning: "I lent a book to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "貸す" fits here because it means "to lend, to rent out" in the context of: "I lent a book to my friend.". "貸し出す" represents "to lend out".