Translation guide
A person or entity that receives something temporarily with the intention of returning it. In Japanese, the most natural way to refer to a borrower depends on context, and often a specific noun is not used; instead, the action of borrowing is described.
Referring to someone who takes out a loan or borrows money from a bank or person.
General term for a borrower, especially in financial contexts. Can be used for loans, debts, etc.
借り手は毎月利息を支払わなければならない。
The borrower must pay interest every month.
Formal/legal term for a debtor or obligor. Used in contracts and legal documents.
債務者が返済を怠った場合、保証人が支払う。
If the borrower defaults, the guarantor will pay.
Borrower, often used in contrast with 貸し主 (lender). Slightly less common than 借り手.
借り主は契約書にサインした。
The borrower signed the contract.
Specifically a person who borrows money (借入). Used in banking contexts.
借入人の信用情報を確認する。
Check the borrower's credit history.
Referring to someone who temporarily takes an object from another person.
Japanese often avoids a specific noun for 'borrower' and instead uses the verb 借りる (to borrow) with the person as the subject. This is the most natural way to express the concept.
彼は私の本を借りた。
He borrowed my book. (He is the borrower.)
誰がこの傘を借りましたか？
Who borrowed this umbrella?
Can also be used for non-financial borrowing, but less common in casual speech.
Literally 'the person who borrowed'. A simple, clear way to refer to a borrower in conversation.
借りた人が返してくれない。
The person who borrowed it won't return it.
Describing the role of borrower in any context, often contrasted with lender.
The most common and versatile noun for 'borrower'.
貸し手と借り手の関係
the relationship between lender and borrower
Often paired with 貸し主 (lender).
English often uses 'borrower' as a noun, but in Japanese it is more natural to use the verb 借りる (borrow) and describe the action rather than labeling the person. For example, instead of 'He is the borrower,' say '彼が借りました' (He borrowed it).
借り手 is a general term for anyone who borrows. 債務者 is a legal/financial term specifically for someone who owes a debt. Use 債務者 only in formal or contractual situations.
Borrowers of library books, please observe the due date.
貸し主は借り主に担保を要求した。
The lender demanded collateral from the borrower.