Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Payment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "payment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支払
しはらい (shiharai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
納入
のうにゅう (nōnyū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "payment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支払 and 納入.
In Japanese, 支払 (しはらい (shiharai)) is typically associated with "payment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of paying money for goods, services, or bills. Often used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 納入 (のうにゅう (nōnyū)) maps to "payment, delivery (of goods/services)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the act of paying money. A literal translation of "payment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支払"
レストランでの支払いはカードで済ませました。
I completed the payment at the restaurant by card.
Bilingual Context for "納入"
商品の納入は来週の予定です。
The delivery of the goods is scheduled for next week.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "レストランでの ＿＿＿ いはカードで済ませました。" (Meaning: "I completed the payment at the restaurant by card.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支払" fits here because it means "payment" in the context of: "I completed the payment at the restaurant by card.". "納入" represents "payment, delivery (of goods/services)".