Translation and Meaning of: 支払う - shiharau

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have already come across the word 支払う (しはらう). It is quite common in everyday life and appears in situations involving financial transactions, whether in commerce, services, or even in informal conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical use, and some particularities that help to understand how the Japanese use this term in their daily lives.

The meaning and use of 支払う

支払う (しはらう) means "to pay" in English and is used in contexts where there is an exchange of money for goods or services. Unlike other payment-related verbs, such as 払う (はらう), which can have broader meanings, 支払う is more specific and formal. It often appears in contracts, receipts, and situations that require a more professional tone.

An interesting detail is that 支払う is often used when payment is made in a planned or mandatory way, such as bills, rents, or debts. For example, in a store, you might hear the seller say お支払いはこちらで (o-shiharai wa kochira de), indicating the place where the payment should be made. This formality makes the word more common in commercial settings than in casual conversations.

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 支払う is composed of two kanji: 支 (し), which can mean "to support" or "branch", and 払う (はらう), which already carries the sense of "to pay" or "to remove". Together, they reinforce the idea of a payment that supports or fulfills an obligation. This combination is not random and reflects the logic behind many financial terms in Japanese.

It is worth noting that, although 払う alone can also mean "to pay," 支払う is more precise and avoids ambiguities. In official documents or situations that require clarity, such as employment contracts or banking transactions, using 支払う is preferable. This distinction is important for students who wish to master Japanese in professional contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember the meaning of 支払う is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine yourself in a restaurant in Japan: when asking for the bill, you are likely to hear something like お支払いお願いします (o-shiharai onegaishimasu), which means "please, make the payment." This connection with real experiences helps to solidify the vocabulary.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as 家賃を支払う (やちんをしはらう, "pay the rent") or 請求書を支払う (せいきゅうしょをしはらう, "pay the bill"). Repeating these examples aloud or writing them down on flashcards can speed up learning. Additionally, paying attention to the kanji 支 in other words, such as 支店 (してん, "branch"), helps to recognize patterns and expand vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 支払う

• 支払う - Infinitive dictionary form
• 支払います - Polite, present manner
• 支払いました - Polite form, past tense
• 支払わせる - Causative form, present
• 支払いません - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 払う (Haru) - pay
• 支払いをする (Shiharai o suru) - Make a payment
• 支払いを済ます (Shiharai o sumasu) - Complete a payment
• 支払いを完了する (Shiharai o kanryō suru) - Complete a payment
• 支払いを納める (Shiharai o osameru) - Formalize a payment
• 支払いが必要な (Shiharai ga hitsuyō na) - Payment requirement
• 支払いがある (Shiharai ga aru) - There is a payment to be made
• 支払いが発生する (Shiharai ga hassei suru) - A payment occurs.
• 支払う必要がある (Shiharau hitsuyō ga aru) - Payment must be made.
• 支払うことになる (Shiharau koto ni naru) - It ends up being necessary to pay.
• 支払いが生じる (Shiharai ga shōjiru) - The need for payment arises

支払う

Romaji: shiharau
Kana: しはらう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: pay

Meaning in English: to pay

Definition: Exchange money or services.

Example Sentences - (支払う) shiharau

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.

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