Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'renting' depends on what is being rented and the direction of the transaction. The most common verbs are 借りる (to borrow/rent from someone) and 貸す (to lend/rent out to someone). For real estate, 借りる is standard, while for cars or equipment, レンタルする is common. This guide covers key verbs, nouns, and patterns for natural usage.
アパートを借りています。
I'm renting an apartment.
To express that you are renting or borrowing an item, property, or service from another party.
General verb meaning 'to borrow' or 'to rent' from someone. Used for apartments, books, money, etc. The focus is on the receiver.
アパートを借りる
to rent an apartment
図書館で本を借りた。
I borrowed a book from the library.
Loanword from English, commonly used for renting cars, DVDs, equipment, etc. Often implies a commercial transaction.
車をレンタルする
to rent a car
DVDをレンタルした。
I rented a DVD.
Formal term for renting/leasing, often used in legal or business contexts.
オフィスを賃借する契約
a contract to lease an office
To express that you are lending or renting out an item or property to another party.
General verb meaning 'to lend' or 'to rent out'. The focus is on the giver.
友達にお金を貸した。
I lent money to a friend.
部屋を貸す
to rent out a room
Formal term for renting out or leasing property. Common in real estate.
マンションを賃貸する
to rent out an apartment
To refer to the concept or system of renting, often used in compound words.
Noun meaning 'rental'. Used widely for services like car rental, DVD rental, etc.
Noun meaning 'lease' or 'rental', especially for real estate. Often seen in 賃貸物件 (rental property).
Noun meaning 'lending' or 'rental', often used for libraries or services.
To specifically talk about renting a place to live.
The standard verb for renting an apartment or house. See also the first meaning.
東京で部屋を借りたい。
I want to rent a room in Tokyo.
Common phrase meaning 'to look for a rental property'.
賃貸物件を探しています。
I'm looking for a rental property.
借りる is a general verb for borrowing or renting anything, while レンタルする specifically implies a commercial rental service (cars, DVDs, equipment). For apartments, always use 借りる, not レンタルする.
友達からお金を借りた。
I borrowed money from a friend.
DVDをレンタルした。
I rented a DVD.
借りる means to borrow/rent from someone, while 貸す means to lend/rent out to someone. The direction is opposite. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
賃貸アパート
rental apartment
本の貸し出し
book lending