Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'repayment' depends on what is being repaid: money, a favor, a debt, or an obligation. The most common and versatile term is 返済 (hensai), used primarily for financial repayment. For returning favors or kindness, 恩返し (ongaeshi) is key. This guide covers the main Japanese expressions for different types of repayment, from formal financial contexts to everyday gratitude.
Repaying borrowed money, a loan, or a financial debt.
The standard term for repaying a loan or debt. Used in both formal and everyday contexts. Often used with する to form a verb.
Repaying the loan is tough.
Repay a debt.
Refers specifically to returning money, often in the context of refunds or reimbursements. Not used for repaying loans.
I returned the product and got a refund.
Formal term for redemption or repayment, used in financial contexts like bond redemption or mortgage payoff.
The redemption date for the government bonds is approaching.
Returning a favor, repaying someone's kindness or help.
The act of repaying a favor or kindness. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Can be used as a noun or with する.
I want to repay your kindness someday.
Literally 'return a borrowing', used figuratively to mean repaying a favor or debt of gratitude. Slightly casual.
A more formal or literary way to say 'repay a kindness'. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
I will work hard to repay your kindness.
Repaying a moral or social debt, or making up for a wrongdoing.
Repaying an investment, effort, or trust with results or returns.
返済 (hensai) is used for scheduled repayments like loans or debts. 返金 (henkin) is for returning money in transactions, such as refunds. Do not use 返金 for loan repayments.
Loan repayment (correct) / Loan refund (incorrect)
In English, 'repay a visit' means to visit someone in return. In Japanese, this is not expressed with 返済 or 返金. Use お返しに訪ねる (otaずねる) or simply また来る (またくる) depending on context.
Repay one's parents (for their kindness).
I have to repay him for what he did.
He did community service to atone for his crime.