Translation guide
In Japanese, the verbs for lending and borrowing depend on direction and politeness. The core distinction is between 貸す (to lend) and 借りる (to borrow). There are also humble and honorific forms used in formal situations.
To give something to someone temporarily, expecting it to be returned.
The basic verb for 'to lend'. Used when the speaker is the lender.
I lent money to a friend.
ペンを貸してくれませんか。
Could you lend me a pen?
Humble form of 貸す. Used when the speaker lends to someone of higher status.
傘をお貸ししましょうか。
Shall I lend you an umbrella?
Means 'to lend (as a favor)'. Implies doing someone a kindness. Can sound condescending if used to superiors.
ゲームを貸してあげるよ。
I'll lend you the game.
To receive something from someone temporarily, with the intention of returning it.
The basic verb for 'to borrow'. Used when the speaker is the borrower.
図書館で本を借りた。
I borrowed a book from the library.
ちょっと電話を借りてもいいですか。
May I borrow your phone for a moment?
Humble form of 借りる. Used when borrowing from someone of higher status.
お手洗いをお借りしてもよろしいでしょうか。
May I use your restroom? (lit. borrow your restroom)
Means 'to borrow and go'. Implies taking the borrowed item away.
この本、借りていってもいい？
Can I borrow this book and take it with me?
Specifically for financial lending and borrowing.
Also used for lending money.
銀行がお金を貸してくれない。
The bank won't lend me money.
Also used for borrowing money.
Formal term for a loan or financing.
Loan (from English). Commonly used for mortgages, car loans, etc.
住宅ローンを組む。
To take out a mortgage.
To adopt or use something from another source, like a phrase or concept.
Can be used metaphorically for borrowing ideas, words, etc.
この表現は英語から借りたものだ。
This expression is borrowed from English.
Humble word for borrowing, often used in set phrases like 拝借します (I'll borrow this idea).
貸す (kasu) means 'to lend' (giver is the subject). 借りる (kariru) means 'to borrow' (receiver is the subject). Mixing them up is a common mistake. Remember: 貸す = give temporarily, 借りる = receive temporarily.
私は彼にお金を貸した。
I lent him money.
私は彼にお金を借りた。
I borrowed money from him.
With 貸す, the recipient is marked by に. With 借りる, the lender is marked by に or から. Using the wrong particle can change the meaning.
友達に本を貸す。
Lend a book to a friend.
友達に／から本を借りる。
Borrow a book from a friend.
He borrowed money from a friend.
To receive a loan from a bank.
お知恵を拝借したい。
I'd like to borrow your wisdom.