Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Payment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "payment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支払い
しはらい (shiharai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
払い
はらい (harai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "payment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支払い and 払い.
In Japanese, 支払い (しはらい (shiharai)) is typically associated with "payment" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Nouns that refer to the act of paying money for goods or services. Often used in conjunction with する.
On the other hand, 払い (はらい (harai)) maps to "payment, sweep, brush" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「払う」の名詞形。支払い行為そのものや、支払い方法を指すことが多いです。「支払い」という形で使われることも多いですが、単独で「払い」も使われます。. A literal translation of "payment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支払い"
この商品の支払いはクレジットカードでできますか？
Can I pay for this product by credit card?
Bilingual Context for "払い"
今月の家賃の払いはまだ済んでいません。
This month's rent payment has not been completed yet.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この商品の ＿＿＿ はクレジットカードでできますか？" (Meaning: "Can I pay for this product by credit card?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支払い" fits here because it means "payment" in the context of: "Can I pay for this product by credit card?". "払い" represents "payment, sweep, brush".