Translation guide
The English verb "lend" means to give something to someone temporarily, expecting it to be returned. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 貸す (kasu), but the appropriate expression depends on what is being lent (objects, money, assistance) and the social context. This guide covers natural ways to express lending in various situations.
To give someone a tangible item for temporary use, with the expectation of its return.
The standard verb for lending objects. It can be used in casual and polite contexts. The person you lend to is marked with に.
友達にペンを貸した。
I lent a pen to my friend.
Could you lend me an umbrella?
Literally 'I'll lend it to you (as a favor)'. This is a common way to offer to lend something, but can sound patronizing if used inappropriately. Use with close friends or when the favor is clear.
Avoid using あげる with superiors; use 貸します or お貸しします instead.
If you want to read this book, I'll lend it to you.
Humble form (謙譲語) used when lending to someone of higher status. It shows respect to the recipient.
Shall I lend you an umbrella? (polite)
To provide money to someone with the expectation of repayment.
To provide help, support, or one's abilities to someone.
Literally 'lend a hand'. A common idiom for offering physical help or assistance.
Can you lend me a hand?
Literally 'lend strength'. Used when asking someone to use their influence, effort, or ability to help achieve something.
Literally 'lend an ear'. Means to listen to someone, often used when someone wants to talk about a problem.
To add a certain quality or feeling to something (e.g., lend credibility, lend charm).
A general pattern meaning 'to give X to Y'. Often used when 'lend' is metaphorical. The specific quality is placed before を.
The painting lends warmth to the room.
Literally 'to add/attach'. Used for lending a subtle quality or accent.
English 'lend' and 'borrow' are often mixed up by learners. In Japanese, 貸す means to lend (give out), and 借りる means to borrow (take in). The subject and particles differ: 私が友達に本を貸す (I lend a book to a friend) vs. 私が友達に/から本を借りる (I borrow a book from a friend).
When asking someone to lend you something, use 貸してくれる? (casual) or 貸していただけますか? (polite). Avoid direct 貸す? which can sound blunt.
Please lend your support to this project.
悩みがあるなら耳を貸すよ。
If you have worries, I'll lend an ear.
His words lent solemnity to the ceremony.