Translation guide
The act of giving something to someone temporarily, with the expectation of return. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the verb 貸す (kasu). However, the appropriate expression depends on what is being lent (money, objects, assistance) and the social context.
To express the basic action of lending a physical item or money to someone.
The most common and versatile verb for lending. Can be used for objects, money, and even abstract things like help or an ear.
I lent money to a friend.
Could you lend me a pen?
Refers to the act of lending out, often used in institutional contexts like libraries or rental shops.
Formal term for lending, often used in legal or official contexts.
To express offering help or assistance, often metaphorically as 'lending a hand'.
To express listening to someone's problems or stories.
Literally 'lend an ear', meaning to listen to someone, often used when someone needs to talk about their troubles.
If you have worries, I'll lend an ear.
To specifically refer to lending money, especially in a financial or banking context.
貸す means 'to lend' (giving out), while 借りる means 'to borrow' (taking in). Mixing them up is a common mistake.
I lent him money.
I borrowed money from him.
When lending to a person, use the particle に to mark the recipient. When lending from a person (i.e., borrowing), use から or に with 借りる.
Lend a book to a friend.
Thank you for lending me your umbrella.
The bank is cautious about lending.
図書館の本の貸し出しは二週間です。
The lending period for library books is two weeks.
The company lends computers to employees.
Please lend your support to this project.
貸付金の返済が遅れている。
The repayment of the loan is delayed.