Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pay" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pay", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支払う
しはらう (shiharau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
立て替える
たてかえる (tatekaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pay" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支払う and 立て替える.
In Japanese, 支払う (しはらう (shiharau)) is typically associated with "to pay" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents General term for paying money for goods, services, or debts. Can be used for various payment methods..
On the other hand, 立て替える (たてかえる (tatekaeru)) maps to "to pay on behalf of someone; to pay provisionally; to advance money" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This verb is used when someone pays money for something. A literal translation of "pay" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支払う"
食事代は私が支払います。
I will pay for the meal.
Bilingual Context for "立て替える"
会社が出張費を立て替えてくれた。
The company advanced me the business trip expenses.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "食事代は私が支払います。" (Meaning: "I will pay for the meal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支払う" fits here because it means "to pay" in the context of: "I will pay for the meal.". "立て替える" represents "to pay on behalf of someone; to pay provisionally; to advance money".