Translation guide
The English verb "pay" covers several distinct actions: giving money for goods or services, suffering consequences, yielding a return, and giving attention or respect. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each meaning.
To hand over money in exchange for something, such as at a store, restaurant, or for a bill.
The most common verb for paying money. Used for bills, fees, taxes, etc.
I paid at the register.
More formal than 払う. Often used in business or official contexts.
Common phrase meaning "to pay the bill" at a restaurant or store.
Check, please. (I'd like to pay.)
Used for settling accounts, reimbursements, or exact fare adjustments.
I'll get reimbursed for travel expenses.
To experience something unpleasant as a result of one's actions.
Literally "pay the price". Used for negative consequences.
To result in a benefit or advantage, often financial.
To direct something abstract like attention or a compliment toward someone, or to visit someone.
Standard phrase for "pay attention".
English uses "pay" in many collocations (pay a visit, pay a compliment) that require different Japanese verbs. Always check the natural Japanese phrase.
to pay a compliment
払う is the everyday verb for paying money. 支払う is more formal and often used in business or official documents. In casual speech, 払う is preferred.
Can I pay by credit card?
I forgot to pay the rent.
料金は月末に支払ってください。
Please pay the fee by the end of the month.
He paid the price for his mistake.
Means "to receive punishment". More direct than 代償を払う.
If you commit a crime, you must pay the penalty.
Idiom meaning to pay for past indulgences or mistakes. Often used figuratively.
I'm paying for the reckless lifestyle of my youth.
Means "to be worth it" or "to pay off". Used when the return justifies the effort or cost.
This job doesn't pay. (It's not worth the effort.)
Literally "to produce profit". More formal and business-like.
The investment paid off handsomely.
Means "to be rewarded" or "to pay off" in the sense of efforts being recognized.
My hard work paid off.
Please pay attention when crossing the street.
Means "to pay respect".
I pay respect to his courage.
Means "to visit". Used in the phrase "pay a visit".
I plan to pay my teacher a visit next week.
Crime doesn't pay.