Translation guide
The English word "debt" covers financial obligations, moral debts, and feelings of gratitude or guilt. Japanese uses different words for these nuances, and some expressions are culturally specific.
Money owed to a person, bank, or institution.
The most common word for financial debt, especially personal loans or money borrowed.
He repaid his debt.
My debts have piled up.
A more formal term for liabilities or debts, often used in business or accounting contexts.
The company's debts are increasing.
Legal or contractual debt, often used in formal documents.
Demand fulfillment of the debt obligation.
A feeling of owing someone for a favor or kindness, or a sense of obligation.
Refers to a favor or kindness received, creating a sense of indebtedness. Often used in phrases like 恩返し (returning a favor).
I owe him a great debt of gratitude.
Don't return evil for good. (lit. Don't repay a kindness with enmity.)
Literally "to have a borrowing," used figuratively to mean you owe someone a favor or are indebted to them.
Refers to a sense of duty or obligation, often in social relationships. 義理 implies a moral debt that must be repaid.
Describing the condition of owing money.
Debt owed by a government.
借金 is the everyday word for personal debt. 負債 is formal and often used in business for liabilities. 債務 is a legal term for an obligation to pay. Use 借金 in most daily conversations.
While 借金 can be used metaphorically, it primarily means financial debt. For moral or emotional debts, use 恩 or 借りがある.
I owe him a debt, so I can't refuse his request.
I have a social obligation to him, so I must attend.
He is saddled with a huge debt.