noun
General term for lending or renting out something, often used in compound words like 貸し出し or 貸し切り.
図書館で本の貸し出しを行っている。
The library lends out books.
この店はビデオの貸しをやめた。
This store stopped renting videos.
noun
favor; obligation; debt of gratitude
Refers to a favor done for someone, creating a sense of indebtedness. Common in phrases like 貸しがある (I am owed a favor) or 貸しを作る (to put someone in one's debt).
彼に貸しがあるから、今度助けてもらおう。
He owes me a favor, so I'll ask him for help next time.
あの人に貸しを作りたくない。
I don't want to be indebted to that person.
noun
creditor; credit side; method of lending
Abbreviation of 貸方 (かしかた). Used in accounting or financial contexts to refer to the credit side or a creditor.
See also: 貸方 (かしかた)
簿記では、貸しは右側に記入する。
In bookkeeping, the credit side is entered on the right.
貸しと借りを間違えないでください。
Please don't confuse credit and debit.
Derived from the verb 貸す (かす, to lend), with the continuative form used as a noun. The kanji 貸 is composed of 貝 (shell, money) and 代 (substitute), suggesting the concept of lending money or goods.