Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of deferred payment is expressed through specific financial terms, common phrases, and grammatical patterns. The most natural way depends on context: formal business settings use 後払い (atobarai) or 延払い (nobebarai), while everyday situations often use あとで払う (ato de harau).
Expressing that payment will be made at a later time, in everyday or business contexts.
The most common and versatile term for deferred payment, used in both casual and formal settings. It literally means 'pay later'.
You can pay later at this shop.
A casual, everyday phrase meaning 'pay later'. Suitable for informal conversations.
I don't have money now, so can I pay later?
A more formal term often used in business or contractual contexts, implying an extension of the payment deadline.
Referring to deferred payment through credit cards, loans, or financing.
Commonly used for credit card payments, which inherently involve deferred payment. Often used in phrases like クレジット払い (credit payment).
I'll pay by credit card.
Refers to a loan, which is a form of deferred payment. Often used for large purchases like cars or houses.
Used in legal, financial, or business documents to specify payment terms.
後払い is the general term for paying after receiving goods/services. 延払い implies an extension of the payment deadline beyond the usual time, often used in business contracts.
The direct translation '延期された支払い' (enki sareta shiharai) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use 後払い or 延払い instead.
I received a deferred payment invoice.
延払い条件で契約を結んだ。
We signed a contract with deferred payment terms.
Specifically refers to installment payments, a type of deferred payment where the total is split into multiple payments over time.
You can buy this sofa in installments.
I bought a car on a loan.