貸す

§ Understanding 貸す (kasu)

The Japanese verb 貸す (かす - kasu) means 'to lend' or 'to rent out'. It's an essential verb for many everyday situations, whether you're lending a book to a friend or renting an apartment. This lesson will show you how to use it correctly and confidently.

Verb Type

Godan verb (Group 1)

Transitivity

Transitive (takes a direct object)

§ Basic Sentence Structure with 貸す

The basic pattern for using 貸す is:

• [Lender] は [Borrower] に [Item] を 貸す

Here's what each particle means:

• は (wa): Marks the subject (the lender).

• に (ni): Marks the indirect object (the person or entity to whom something is lent/rented).

• を (o): Marks the direct object (the item being lent/rented).

Translation hint

I lent a book to my friend.

Translation hint

This apartment rents out rooms. (This apartment is available for rent.)

§ Using 貸す for 'Renting Out'

When 貸す is used in the context of 'renting out', the structure remains similar, but the item being lent is often a property or a service.

Translation hint

He is renting out a parking space.

You might also see it used with prices, though the 'price' itself isn't the direct object of 貸す, but rather how much the lending costs:

Translation hint

We rent bicycles for 1000 yen per day.

§ Common Phrases and Usage Notes

Here are a few more points to keep in mind:

• The Te-form: Like many Japanese verbs, 貸す can be used in its Te-form (貸して - kashite) for various grammatical constructions, such as making requests.

Translation hint

Please lend me a pen.

Mastering 貸す will significantly improve your ability to talk about transactions and favors in Japanese. Practice using it in different contexts, and you'll soon feel comfortable with it!

Let's talk about the Japanese verb 貸す (かす), which means 'to lend' or 'to rent out'. This is a super useful verb you'll hear often in many different situations, from everyday chats to more formal discussions. It's classified as A2 on the CEFR scale, meaning it's an essential word for anyone past the very beginner stage.

§ Basic Meaning of 貸す (kasu)

Definition

To lend something to someone, or to rent something out. The key here is that you are temporarily giving possession of an item to another person or entity.

§ Where You'll Hear 貸す (kasu)

This verb pops up in a lot of practical contexts. Here are some common scenarios where you'll encounter 貸す (kasu).

At School

In a school setting, students often lend things to each other, or teachers might lend materials to students. You'll hear requests or offers to lend.

• When a friend needs a pen:

  ペンを貸して

  Hint

  Can you lend me a pen?

• A librarian talking about lending books:

  この本は2週間貸し出し可能です。

  Hint

  This book can be lent out for two weeks. (Note: 貸し出し (kashidashi) is a noun form derived from 貸す)

At Work

In a professional environment, lending can relate to equipment, resources, or even money. You'll hear it in discussions about sharing company assets.

• An office manager discussing equipment:

  あのプロジェクターは別の部署に貸し出し中です。

  Hint

  That projector is currently lent out to another department. (貸し出し中 (kashidashichuu) means 'currently on loan')

• Talking about a company car:

  会社は社員に車を貸している。

  Hint

  The company lends cars to its employees.

News and Public Announcements

In news reports, you might hear 貸す (kasu) in contexts related to banking, real estate, or public services that involve lending or renting.

• A news report about housing:

  銀行が住宅ローンを貸す。

  Hint

  Banks lend housing loans.

• An article about public facilities:

  市は会議室を市民に貸しています。

  Hint

  The city rents out meeting rooms to citizens.

§ Common Phrases with 貸す (kasu)

You'll often hear 貸す (kasu) in specific patterns. Pay attention to the particles used:

• 〜を貸す (〜 wo kasu): To lend 'something'. The direct object particle を (wo) marks the item being lent.

  お金を貸してください。

  Hint

  Please lend me money.

• 〜に〜を貸す (〜 ni 〜 wo kasu): To lend 'something' to 'someone'. The indirect object particle に (ni) marks the recipient.

  友達に本を貸した。

  Hint

  I lent a book to my friend.

By understanding these contexts and example sentences, you'll be well-equipped to use and understand 貸す (kasu) in everyday Japanese interactions.

§ Confusing 貸す (kásu) with 借りる (karíru)

This is the most common mistake. While 貸す (kásu) means 'to lend' or 'to rent out' (you are the one giving something), 借りる (karíru) means 'to borrow' or 'to rent' (you are the one receiving something). Think of it like 'give' versus 'receive' for items. It's about the direction of the item. Are you giving it away for a period, or are you taking it for a period?

DEFINITION

貸す (kásu): You provide something to someone else temporarily.

DEFINITION

借りる (karíru): You receive something from someone else temporarily.

I lent a book to my friend. (I gave the book)

I borrowed a book from my friend. (I received the book)

§ Using the wrong particle with 貸す (kásu)

When you lend something to someone, the person you lend to is often marked with the particle に (ni). The thing you are lending is marked with を (o).

• **Person + に + Item + を + 貸す**

I lent him money. (him = に, money = を)

Beginners sometimes mix up these particles or omit them, leading to confusion about who is lending what.

§ Forgetting the 'rent out' meaning

While 'to lend' is often the first meaning learned for 貸す (kásu), it also frequently means 'to rent out' when referring to properties, cars, or other items that generate income. This is especially important in a business context.

I am renting out this apartment. (I am the landlord, giving it for money)

Don't assume it always implies a friendly, no-cost transaction. Context is key here.

§ Overusing 貸す (kásu) for favors

While you can lend physical objects, for favors or non-tangible things like 'lending an ear' or 'lending a hand,' Japanese often uses different expressions. While a direct translation might sound okay, it's not natural.

• **Instead of: 手を貸す (te o kasu - direct translation 'lend a hand')**
  Use: 手伝う (tetsudau - to help)
• **Instead of: 耳を貸す (mimi o kasu - direct translation 'lend an ear')**
  Use: 話を聞く (hanashi o kiku - to listen to a story/talk)

Focus on learning the natural Japanese expressions for these situations rather than trying to force a direct translation with 貸す (kásu).

Let's talk about the Japanese verb "貸す" (かす). This word is super useful for talking about lending or renting things out. Understanding it well will definitely help you sound more natural in Japanese.

§ "Kasu" (貸す): Basic Meaning

Japanese Word

貸す (かす)

Meaning

to lend, to rent out

CEFR Level

A2

When you "貸す" something, you are giving it to someone temporarily, expecting to get it back, or you are letting someone use your property for a fee (renting it out).

§ Examples of "Kasu" in Use

Hint

Could you lend me a pen?

Hint

He lent money to his friend.

Hint

This apartment is renting out rooms.

§ Similar Words and When to Use "Kasu" vs. Alternatives

The Japanese language has a few words that can seem similar to "貸す", but they have different nuances. Let's break them down so you know when to use each one.

• 借りる (かりる) - to borrow, to rent (from someone)

  This is the direct opposite of "貸す". If you "貸す" something, someone else "借りる" it. Think of it from the perspective of the receiver. If you're getting something from someone else temporarily, you use "借りる".

  図書館で本を借りた。

  Hint

  I borrowed a book from the library.

• 賃貸する (ちんたいする) - to lease, to rent (property, for money)

  While "貸す" can cover renting out property, "賃貸する" specifically refers to the act of leasing or renting out property for a fee. It sounds more formal and is often used in real estate contexts. You'll see it on signs for rental apartments, for example.

  この家は賃貸しています。

  Hint

  This house is for rent (being leased).

  You can think of "貸す" as a more general term that covers both lending small items and renting out property. "賃貸する" is more specific to commercial renting/leasing.

• 与える (あたえる) - to give, to grant, to bestow

  "与える" is a broader term for giving something, but it doesn't carry the implication of getting it back. If you give a gift, you use "与える" or "あげる" (a more common, informal word for giving). If you lend something, you expect it back, so "貸す" is the correct choice.

  先生は学生に宿題を与えた。

  Hint

  The teacher gave homework to the students.

In summary, when you're talking about temporarily giving something with the expectation of its return, or renting out something, "貸す" is your go-to verb. If you're on the receiving end, use "借りる". For formal property leasing, "賃貸する" is more precise. And for general giving without expectation of return, use "与える" or "あげる" depending on formality.

Keep practicing these words, and you'll get the hang of them quickly!