Translation and Meaning of: 支払 - shiharai

The Japanese word 支払[しはらい] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, especially in financial and commercial contexts. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding its meaning, use, and nuances can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written and pronounced, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Furthermore, we will see how 支払[しはらい] is perceived in Japanese culture, its frequency in everyday conversations, and practical application examples. Whether for travel, business, or studies, knowing this expression can ease your communication in situations involving payments and financial transactions.

Meaning and use of 支払[しはらい]

支払[しはらい] means "payment" or "settlement of a debt". It is a noun derived from the verb 支払う[しはらう], which has the same meaning of "to pay". This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, from restaurant bills to more complex business transactions.

In Japan, the payment culture is quite organized, and 支払[しはらい] appears in various settings, such as stores, contracts, and bank statements. If you have visited the country, you have probably encountered this term on automatic payment machines or receipts. Knowing how to recognize it can help avoid confusion when making a purchase or negotiating a service.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The word 支払[しはらい] is composed of two kanji: 支 (shi), which can mean "support" or "branch," and 払 (harai), which is related to "pay" or "remove." Together, these characters convey the idea of "making a payment" or "settling a debt." The combination reflects the concept of value transfer common in financial transactions.

It is worth noting that the kanji 払 also appears in other words related to payments, such as 払い戻し [はらいもどし] (refund). This relationship between the characters helps to understand how Japanese constructs terms from radicals and ideograms with complementary meanings. If you study kanji, noticing these connections can speed up your learning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 支払[しはらい] is to associate it with practical situations. For example, when paying a bill in Japan, mentally repeat the word to create a connection with the action. Another tip is to practice writing the kanji, as the visual form helps to consolidate vocabulary in memory.

Additionally, pay attention to the verb 支払う[しはらう], which is the verbal form of the word. Using both variations in everyday sentences, such as "この請求書を支払います" (I will pay this invoice), reinforces the understanding of the term in different contexts. Over time, repetition and practical application will make the word natural in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 支払い (shiharai) - payment
• 支払う (shiharau) - pay
• 支払いをする (shiharai wo suru) - Make a payment
• 支出 (shishutsu) - Expense, expenses
• 支出する (shishutsu suru) - Spend
• 支出額 (shishutsu gaku) - Total amount/spending

支払

Romaji: shiharai
Kana: しはらい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: payment

Meaning in English: payment

Definition: Buy or do something using money or means.

Example Sentences - (支払) shiharai

See below some example sentences:

現金で支払いました。

Genkin de shiharaimashita

I paid money.

I paid money.

• 現金 - It means "cash" in Japanese.
• で - it's a particle that indicates the means or method used to perform an action.
• 支払い - means "payment" in Japanese.
• ました - it is a polite and courteous form of the verb "to do" in the past.

カードを使って支払いをしました。

Kādo o tsukatte shiharai o shimashita

I made the payment using a card.

I paid using the card.

• カード - "card" in Japanese
• を - object particle
• 使って - gerund form of the verb "to use"
• 支払い - "Payment" in Japanese
• を - object particle
• しました - past form of the verb "fazer"

支払いをする必要があります。

Shiharai wo suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to make the payment.

You need to pay.

• 支払い (shiharai) - payment
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• する (suru) - make
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exists

支払いが完了しました。

Shiharai ga kanryou shimashita

The payment has been completed.

• 支払い (shiharai) - payment
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 完了 (kanryou) - conclusion, finalization
• しました (shimashita) - Polite past tense of the verb "to do."

私の給与は毎月支払われます。

Watashi no kyuuyo wa maitsuki shiharawaremasu

My salary is paid every month.

• 私の給与 - my remuneration/salary
• は - topic particle, indicating that the theme of the sentence is "my remuneration"
• 毎月 - every month
• 支払われます - is paid