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.
レジでお金を払った。
I paid at the register.
家賃を払うのを忘れた。
I forgot to pay the rent.
More formal than 払う. Often used in business or official contexts.
料金は月末に支払ってください。
Please pay the fee by the end of the month.
Common phrase meaning "to pay the bill" at a restaurant or store.
お会計をお願いします。
Check, please. (I'd like to pay.)
Used for settling accounts, reimbursements, or exact fare adjustments.
交通費を精算する。
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.
彼は自分の過ちの代償を払った。
He paid the price for his mistake.
Means "to receive punishment". More direct than 代償を払う.
罪を犯したら罰を受けなければならない。
If you commit a crime, you must pay the penalty.
Idiom meaning to pay for past indulgences or mistakes. Often used figuratively.
若い頃の無理のつけを払っている。
I'm paying for the reckless lifestyle of my youth.
To result in a benefit or advantage, often financial.
Means "to be worth it" or "to pay off". Used when the return justifies the effort or cost.
この仕事は割に合わない。
This job doesn't pay. (It's not worth the effort.)
Literally "to produce profit". More formal and business-like.
その投資は高い利益を生んだ。
The investment paid off handsomely.
Means "to be rewarded" or "to pay off" in the sense of efforts being recognized.
To direct something abstract like attention or a compliment toward someone, or to visit someone.
Standard phrase for "pay attention".
道路を渡るときは注意を払ってください。
Please pay attention when crossing the street.
Means "to pay respect".
彼の勇気に敬意を払う。
I pay respect to his courage.
Means "to visit". Used in the phrase "pay a visit".
来週、先生を訪問する予定です。
I plan to pay my teacher a visit next week.
English uses "pay" in many collocations (pay a visit, pay a compliment) that require different Japanese verbs. Always check the natural Japanese phrase.
褒め言葉を言う
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.
クレジットカードで払えますか？
Can I pay by credit card?
犯罪は割に合わない。
Crime doesn't pay.
My hard work paid off.