Translation guide
The English phrase "pay off" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: completing payment of a debt, yielding a successful result, and bribing someone. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
To finish paying money that is owed, such as a loan, mortgage, or bill.
Formal verb meaning to pay off a debt completely. Commonly used for loans and mortgages.
I paid off my mortgage.
A compound verb meaning to finish paying back. More colloquial than 完済する.
I paid off all my debts.
Means to finish paying. Can be used for various payments, not just debts.
I paid off all this month's bills.
Means to repay or pay back. Often used in financial contexts, but does not inherently imply completion. Use with 全部 or 完全に to emphasize paying off.
I completely paid off the loan.
When effort, risk, or investment leads to a good outcome.
Intransitive verb meaning efforts are rewarded or pay off. Emphasizes emotional or moral reward.
My hard work paid off.
Idiom meaning to bear fruit, i.e., efforts produce results. Slightly literary.
General phrase meaning to go well or succeed. Can be used when a plan or risk pays off.
That gamble paid off.
Means to produce results. Often used in business or project contexts.
To give money or favors to someone, often illegally, to gain an advantage.
Means to buy off or bribe. Commonly used for corrupting officials or witnesses.
He paid off the official.
Literally 'to hand over a bribe'. A direct way to describe the act of bribing.
Idiomatic expression for bribing, literally 'use under the sleeve'. Slightly dated but still understood.
The verb 払う (harau) means 'to pay' money, not 'to pay off' in the sense of yielding results. Using it for success would be a literal translation error.
長年の研究が実を結んだ。
Years of research paid off.
The new strategy paid off.
He paid off the police and got away.
He paid off someone to get the permit.