Translation guide
The concept of leasing, or renting something for a fixed period under a contract. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs and nouns depending on what is being leased (real estate, equipment, vehicles, etc.) and the perspective (lessor or lessee).
To refer to the act or business of leasing in general, often in commercial contexts.
The most common term for leasing, especially for equipment, vehicles, and machinery. It is a loanword from English and is widely understood in business contexts.
この車はリースで契約しました。
I leased this car (under a lease contract).
リース料金は月々1万円です。
The leasing fee is 10,000 yen per month.
A formal legal term for lease or rental agreement, often used in contracts and legal documents. It covers both real estate and movable property.
賃貸借契約を結ぶ。
To conclude a lease agreement.
Often used for short-term rental (e.g., rental cars, DVDs). While 'leasing' implies a longer-term contract, 'rental' is sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts.
レンタルサーバーを借りる。
To rent a server (often on a monthly basis, similar to leasing).
To express leasing a property as a tenant or offering it as a landlord.
The standard term for rental/leasing of real estate. Used in phrases like 賃貸マンション (rental apartment) or 賃貸物件 (rental property).
賃貸アパートを探しています。
I'm looking for an apartment to rent/lease.
このビルは賃貸オフィスです。
This building is for lease (office space).
The common verb 'to borrow/rent' from the lessee's perspective. Used for apartments, houses, land, etc.
The verb 'to lend/rent out' from the lessor's perspective.
空き部屋を貸す。
To lease out a vacant room.
A specific financial arrangement where one sells a property and then leases it back. Used in real estate and corporate finance.
リースバックで資金調達する。
To raise funds through a leaseback arrangement.
To talk about leasing machinery, cars, or office equipment.
As above, the default term for equipment leasing. Often used with する to form a verb.
コピー機をリースする。
To lease a copy machine.
Lease contract. A common compound noun.
リース契約の期間は3年です。
The lease contract period is three years.
リース is typically for long-term, fixed-term contracts (often several years) for equipment or vehicles, with maintenance included. レンタル is for short-term, flexible rental (daily, weekly). 賃貸 is specifically for real estate. In casual speech, レンタル may be used loosely for some leasing situations, but リース is more precise for business leasing.
車をリースする（長期契約） vs. 車をレンタルする（短期）
Lease a car (long-term contract) vs. rent a car (short-term)
For real estate, always use 賃貸 or the verbs 借りる/貸す. Using リース for an apartment sounds unnatural and overly business-like.
✕ アパートをリースする → ○ アパートを借りる / 賃貸アパートを契約する
Incorrect: 'lease an apartment' using リース → Correct: use 借りる or 賃貸
To lease an apartment in the city center.
Installment sales, sometimes confused with leasing but technically a purchase. Mentioned to clarify the difference.
This is not leasing; it's a purchase with installment payments. Use only when contrasting with leasing.
リースと割賦販売の違いを説明する。
Explain the difference between leasing and installment sales.