Translation guide
The concept of not paying money that is owed or expected. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 未払い (mibarai) for unpaid amounts, or the verb 支払わない (shiharawanai) for the act of not paying. The specific term depends on context, such as bills, taxes, rent, or loans.
Referring to a sum of money that has not been paid, often in financial or administrative contexts.
The standard noun for 'unpaid' or 'non-payment' of a bill, fee, or debt. Commonly used in formal and business settings.
Unpaid bills are piling up.
Refers to being in arrears or behind on payments, especially for taxes, rent, or regular obligations. Implies a failure to pay on time.
I'm behind on my rent.
A more formal or legal term for non-payment, often used in contracts or official documents. Less common in everyday speech.
If non-payment continues, legal action will be taken.
Describing the action of failing to pay, often using verbs.
The negative form of 支払う (to pay). This is the most direct way to say 'not pay' in everyday conversation.
He never pays for his meal.
A more casual version of 支払わない, using the shorter verb 払う. Suitable for informal situations.
Are you not going to pay the fine?
Literally 'do not make payment'. A slightly more formal or explicit way to express non-payment.
Discussing non-payment in abstract terms, such as in news or reports.
Often used for non-payment of taxes, pension contributions, or official fees. Implies an obligation that remains unfulfilled.
Non-payment of pension contributions has become a problem.
Similar to 未納 but more formal and less common. Used in legal or administrative contexts.
未払い (mibarai) is the most general term for unpaid bills or amounts. 滞納 (tainō) specifically means being in arrears or behind on scheduled payments, like rent or taxes. 未納 (minō) is often used for official obligations such as taxes or pension contributions that have not been paid at all.
Directly translating 'non-payment' as 非支払い (hishiharai) is not natural Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.
If you don't make the payment by the due date, a late fee will be charged.
Non-payment of taxes is a violation of the law.