Translation and Meaning of: 滞納 - tainou

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you have likely come across the word 滞納 (たいのう). This expression has a specific and relevant meaning in everyday Japanese, especially in financial and bureaucratic contexts. In this article, we will explore what it means, how it is used, and some curiosities about its origin and practical application. If you want to better understand this word to avoid confusion or simply expand your vocabulary, keep reading!

滞納 (たいのう) significa "atraso no pagamento" ou "inadimplência".

The word 滞納 (たいのう) is composed of the kanji 滞 (delay, stagnation) and 納 (payment, delivery). Together, they form a term that means "delinquency" or "default". In Japan, this concept is often associated with unpaid bills, overdue taxes, or any financial obligation that has not been fulfilled within the stipulated deadline.

It is important to highlight that 滞納 carries a negative connotation, as it indicates a failure to fulfill a commitment. Unlike words like 支払い (payment), which are neutral, 滞納 suggests a problematic situation that may lead to fines or penalties. If you are dealing with documents or contracts in Japan, it is essential to understand this term to avoid complications.

How and when to use 滞納 in everyday Japanese?

滞納 is a common word in formal and bureaucratic contexts. It often appears in collection notices, tax notifications, and contracts. For example, if someone does not pay the rent on time, the landlord may send a notice with the phrase 家賃の滞納 (delay in paying rent). Similarly, government agencies use the term to refer to unpaid taxes, such as in 税金の滞納 (tax delinquencies).

It is worth noting that, in daily life, Japanese people tend to avoid using 滞納 in casual conversations unless they are discussing a specific topic related to debts or financial obligations. In informal situations, it is more common to hear expressions like 払ってない (I haven't paid) or 遅れている (it's late), which sound less technical.

curiosities and tips for memorizing 滞納

An effective way to anchor the meaning of 滞納 is to break down its kanjis. The first, 滞, appears in words like 停滞 (stagnation) and 渋滞 (traffic jam), always conveying the idea of something being stopped or delayed. On the other hand, 納 is found in terms such as 納品 (delivery of goods) and 納税 (tax payment), connected to the fulfillment of obligations. Associating these radicals with the financial context helps to remember the meaning of the word.

Another interesting detail is that 滞納 is not usually used alone in sentences. It almost always appears accompanied by another word that specifies the type of delayed payment, such as 光熱費の滞納 (defaults on utility bills) or ローン滞納 (loan default). Observing these usage patterns makes it easier to assimilate the term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 未払い (Miharai) - Payment not made
• 支払い遅れ (Shiharai Okure) - Payment delay
• 延滞 (Entai) - Delay or penalty for non-payment
• 未収金 (Mishūkin) - Values not received

滞納

Romaji: tainou
Kana: たいのう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: do not pay; standard

Meaning in English: non-payment;default

Definition: Failure to pay on time.

Example Sentences - (滞納) tainou

See below some example sentences:

滞納すると信用が落ちます。

Taino suru to shin'you ga ochimasu

If you are defaulting, you will lose your credit.

• 滞納する - delay payment
• と - particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship
• 信用 - credit, trust
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 落ちます - decrease, fall