Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pay" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pay", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
払う
はらう (harau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
支払う
しはらう (shiharau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pay" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 払う and 支払う.
In Japanese, 払う (はらう (harau)) is typically associated with "to pay, to sweep away, to clear away" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Has two main uses: 1. To pay money.
On the other hand, 支払う (しはらう (shiharau)) maps to "to pay" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents General term for paying money for goods, services, or debts. Can be used for various payment methods.. A literal translation of "pay" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "払う"
レストランで食事の代金を払いました。
I paid for the meal at the restaurant.
Bilingual Context for "支払う"
食事代は私が支払います。
I will pay for the meal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "レストランで食事の代金を払いました。" (Meaning: "I paid for the meal at the restaurant.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "払う" fits here because it means "to pay, to sweep away, to clear away" in the context of: "I paid for the meal at the restaurant.". "支払う" represents "to pay".