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A2 verb #1,200 가장 일반적인 15분 분량

支払う

shiharau 상위 1,200

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic survival vocabulary in Japanese, and while 'shiharau' is slightly more formal than the absolute beginner word 'harau', it is essential for recognizing signs and understanding cashiers. Beginners will mostly encounter this word in its noun form, 'oshiharai' (payment), when shopping or eating out. They need to understand that when a clerk says 'oshiharai wa...', they are asking about how the transaction will be completed. A1 learners should focus on recognizing the kanji 支 and 払 on buttons on ticketing machines, ATMs, and online shopping carts. They do not necessarily need to conjugate the verb perfectly at this stage, but recognizing the polite form 'shiharaimasu' (I will pay) is highly beneficial. The primary goal is passive recognition to facilitate basic daily transactions like buying groceries or a train ticket without confusion.

At the A2 level, learners begin to actively use 'shiharau' in simple, everyday sentences. They learn to combine the verb with essential particles, specifically 'wo' (to mark what is being paid, like 'daikin wo shiharau' - to pay the fee) and 'de' (to mark the method of payment, like 'kurejitto kaado de shiharau' - to pay by credit card). A2 learners can express their intentions at a store or restaurant, such as asking 'genkin de shiharaemasu ka?' (Can I pay with cash?). They also learn the negative form 'shiharawanai' and the past tense 'shiharatta'. At this stage, the distinction between the casual 'harau' and the slightly more formal 'shiharau' becomes clearer, with learners encouraged to use 'shiharau' when speaking to staff or in slightly more formal situations to sound polite and capable.

At the B1 level, the usage of 'shiharau' expands into more complex grammatical structures and broader contexts. Learners are expected to handle situations involving bills, rent, and basic contracts. They will use the te-form 'shiharatte' to connect sentences, such as 'okane wo shiharatte, mise wo deta' (I paid the money and left the store). They also learn to express obligation using forms like 'shiharawanakereba narimasen' (must pay), which is crucial for discussing taxes, utility bills, and deadlines. B1 learners begin to understand the passive form 'shiharawareru' (to be paid), allowing them to talk about salaries and refunds. The vocabulary surrounding 'shiharau' grows to include terms like 'yachin' (rent), 'koutsuuhi' (transportation expenses), and 'tesuuryou' (handling fees), making their financial communication much more robust.

At the B2 level, learners achieve a high degree of fluency and nuance with 'shiharau'. They can comfortably navigate customer service disputes, discuss payment terms in a business setting, and understand news reports regarding financial matters. They master complex conjugations and conditional forms, such as 'shiharaeba' (if I pay) or 'shiharawase te kudasai' (please let me pay/treat you). B2 learners are highly aware of the register and know exactly when to use 'shiharau' versus 'harau' or other alternatives like 'kessai suru' (to settle). They can read and comprehend detailed billing statements, lease agreements, and online terms of service where 'shiharau' is used in formal, legalistic Japanese. Their ability to use the word is no longer limited to personal transactions but extends to abstract and professional financial discussions.

At the C1 level, the use of 'shiharau' is near-native. Learners can engage in sophisticated debates about economic policies, corporate finance, and legal obligations where the verb is used extensively. They understand and use highly formal derivatives and compound words, such as 'shiharai kijitsu' (payment due date), 'shiharai nouryoku' (ability to pay/solvency), and 'bunkatsu barai' (installment payments). C1 learners can effortlessly switch between active, passive, causative, and causative-passive forms of the verb to describe complex financial relationships, such as 'shiharawasaserareru' (to be forced to pay). They can read financial newspapers (like the Nikkei) and understand the nuanced implications of a company failing to 'shiharau' its debts. The word is fully integrated into their advanced vocabulary repertoire.

At the C2 level, learners possess a complete, masterful command of 'shiharau' and all its associated financial terminology, equivalent to an educated native speaker. They can draft legal contracts, negotiate complex corporate payment terms, and write academic papers on economics using the verb flawlessly. They understand the historical and etymological roots of the kanji and can play with the language, using idiomatic expressions and literary forms. C2 learners can detect the subtlest shifts in tone or implication when 'shiharau' is chosen over a synonym like 'osameru' or 'kyouyo suru'. Their usage is perfectly calibrated to the social context, whether delivering a formal presentation to a board of directors or writing a formal apology for a delayed payment. They wield the word with absolute precision and cultural fluency.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

支払う 30초 만에

To pay money.
To settle a bill.
To clear a debt.
To process a payment.

The Japanese verb 支払う (shiharau) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates directly to the English verb 'to pay'. It is a compound verb formed by combining two distinct kanji: 支 (shi), which carries the meaning of 'support' or 'branch', and 払う (harau), which means 'to pay', 'to clear out', or 'to sweep away'. When combined, these kanji create a formal and precise term used to describe the act of handing over money in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. Understanding the nuances of 支払う is crucial for anyone navigating daily life in Japan, from buying groceries at a local supermarket to settling utility bills or managing corporate transactions. Unlike the simpler verb 払う (harau), which can also mean to brush off dust or pay attention, 支払う is almost exclusively restricted to financial transactions, making it a highly specific and unambiguous term in the Japanese language.

Core Meaning: The primary definition of 支払う is the transfer of monetary funds to fulfill an obligation, purchase an item, or compensate for a service rendered.

クレジットカードで支払うことができますか。

Can I pay with a credit card?

In everyday conversation, you will frequently encounter 支払う in contexts involving retail, dining, and official billing. For instance, when you approach a cash register (レジ) in a Japanese convenience store (コンビニ), the cashier might ask how you intend to pay. While they might use polite phrasing like お支払いはどうなさいますか (Oshiharai wa dou nasaimasu ka - How will you be paying?), the root concept remains tied to 支払う. The word carries a sense of completing a transaction officially and properly. It is not just about handing over cash; it is about fulfilling a financial duty. This makes it the preferred term in business environments, legal documents, and formal agreements. When you sign a contract for an apartment in Tokyo, the lease will stipulate the date by which you must 支払う your rent (家賃 - yachin).

Formality Level: 支払う is considered more formal and specific than the standalone verb 払う. It is heavily utilized in written Japanese, customer service interactions, and professional settings.

毎月、電気代を支払う必要があります。

I need to pay the electricity bill every month.

Furthermore, the usage of 支払う extends into the digital realm. With the rise of cashless payments (キャッシュレス決済) in Japan, terms like PayPay, Suica, and Line Pay are ubiquitous. When you link a bank account to these services, the interface will often use the term 支払う to indicate the action of confirming a digital transfer. The verb adapts seamlessly to modern technology while retaining its traditional weight. It is also worth noting that 支払う implies a one-way transfer of value from the payer to the payee. It is not used for exchanging currency (両替する - ryougae suru) or depositing money into your own bank account (預金する - yokin suru). The core essence is the settlement of an external financial obligation.

Common Contexts: Utility bills, restaurant checks, online shopping carts, tax documents, and salary distributions.

税金を期限までに支払う。

To pay taxes by the deadline.

To truly master 支払う, learners must also understand its conjugations. As a Godan verb (Group 1), it conjugates regularly. The polite form is 支払います (shiharaimasu), the negative form is 支払わない (shiharawanai), and the te-form is 支払って (shiharatte). Practicing these forms is essential because you will need to use them dynamically depending on who you are speaking to. For example, telling a friend 'I will pay' might simply be '私が支払うよ' (Watashi ga shiharau yo), whereas informing a business client would require '弊社が支払います' (Heisha ga shiharaimasu - Our company will pay). The versatility of this word across different social registers makes it a cornerstone of Japanese vocabulary for both tourists and long-term residents.

現金で支払うのが一番安全だと考える人もいる。

Some people think paying with cash is the safest.

オンラインで商品を注文し、コンビニで代金を支払う。

Order goods online and pay the price at a convenience store.

Constructing sentences with 支払う requires a solid grasp of Japanese particles, specifically を (wo), に (ni), and で (de). The particle を is used to mark the direct object of the payment—what exactly is being paid. This is usually the money itself, the fee, the bill, or the cost. For example, 代金を支払う (daikin wo shiharau) means 'to pay the price/fee', and 家賃を支払う (yachin wo shiharau) means 'to pay the rent'. The particle を connects the financial burden directly to the action of clearing it. Understanding this connection is the first step to building fluent and natural-sounding sentences when discussing finances in Japanese.

Particle を (Object): Marks the item or amount being paid. Example: お金を支払う (okane wo shiharau - to pay money).

彼はレストランの勘定を支払うと申し出た。

He offered to pay the restaurant bill.

The particle に (ni) is used to indicate the recipient of the payment—who or what organization is receiving the money. If you are paying a specific person, a company, or an institution, you attach に to their name or title. For instance, 会社に支払う (kaisha ni shiharau) translates to 'to pay the company', and 大家さんに家賃を支払う (ooyasan ni yachin wo shiharau) means 'to pay rent to the landlord'. This particle establishes the direction of the financial transaction. It is crucial not to confuse に with を; you do not 'pay the landlord' in the sense of the landlord being the currency, you pay money TO the landlord.

Particle に (Recipient): Marks the person or entity receiving the payment. Example: 銀行に支払う (ginkou ni shiharau - to pay to the bank).

弁護士に高額な報酬を支払うことになった。

It was decided to pay a high fee to the lawyer.

The particle で (de) is utilized to specify the method or means of payment. This is incredibly common in modern Japan due to the variety of payment options available. If you want to say 'to pay by credit card', you say クレジットカードで支払う (kurejitto kaado de shiharau). If you are paying in cash, it is 現金で支払う (genkin de shiharau). You can also use で to indicate the currency, such as ドルで支払う (doru de shiharau - to pay in dollars) or 円で支払う (en de shiharau - to pay in yen). Mastering the で particle in conjunction with 支払う allows you to navigate shopping and dining scenarios with ease and confidence.

Particle で (Method): Marks the tool, method, or currency used for the transaction. Example: スマホで支払う (sumaho de shiharau - to pay with a smartphone).

この店では電子マネーで支払うことができます。

You can pay with electronic money at this store.

Beyond basic particles, 支払う is often used in complex sentence structures. For instance, expressing obligation is common: 支払わなければならない (shiharawanakereba naranai - must pay). Expressing completion or preparation can be done using the te-form plus oku: 支払っておく (shiharatte oku - to pay in advance/to pay and be done with it). You might also see it in passive forms in formal documents: 支払われる (shiharawareru - to be paid), such as 給料が支払われる (kyuuryou ga shiharawareru - the salary is paid). These grammatical variations demonstrate the verb's flexibility and its necessity in achieving intermediate to advanced fluency. By practicing these patterns, learners can move beyond simple point-and-grunt transactions to fully articulated financial discussions.

期日までに全額を支払う約束をした。

I promised to pay the full amount by the due date.

分割で支払うことは可能でしょうか。

Is it possible to pay in installments?

The verb 支払う is deeply embedded in the daily auditory landscape of Japan. One of the most common places you will hear it is at the checkout counter of any retail establishment. Whether you are at a bustling Don Quijote, a quiet local bakery, or a high-end department store in Ginza, the interaction at the register almost always involves the concept of payment. Store clerks are trained to use highly polite Japanese (Keigo), so you will rarely hear the dictionary form 支払う directly from them. Instead, you will hear the honorific noun form お支払い (oshiharai). Phrases like 'お支払いはご一緒でよろしいですか' (Oshiharai wa go-issho de yoroshii desu ka - Would you like to pay together?) or 'お支払い方法はお決まりですか' (Oshiharai houhou wa okimari desu ka - Have you decided on your payment method?) are standard scripts that every learner should memorize to navigate shopping smoothly.

Retail and Dining: Cashiers use the polite noun form 'お支払い' to ask about payment methods or splitting the bill.

お客様、お支払いは現金のみとなっております。

Dear customer, payment is cash only.

Another critical environment where 支払う is frequently encountered is in administrative and bureaucratic settings. When you visit a city hall (区役所 - kuyakusho) to register your address or sign up for national health insurance, the officials will explain your financial obligations using this verb. They will hand you payment slips (払込票 - haraikomihyou) and instruct you on where and when to 支払う. Similarly, if you open a Japanese bank account, the teller will explain how automatic deductions work, stating that your utility bills will be automatically paid (自動的に支払われる - jidouteki ni shiharawareru) from your account. In these formal contexts, the precision of 支払う is necessary to ensure there is no misunderstanding regarding legal and financial duties.

Administrative Offices: Used by officials to explain taxes, insurance premiums, and utility bill procedures.

国民健康保険料を毎月支払う義務があります。

You have an obligation to pay national health insurance premiums every month.

The digital landscape is also saturated with the word 支払う. E-commerce websites like Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and Mercari feature prominent buttons labeled 支払う or 支払いへ進む (Proceed to payment). When you use mobile payment apps, the confirmation screen will often ask you to verify the amount before you tap the 支払う button. Furthermore, in the corporate world, 支払う is a daily vocabulary word. Accounting departments process invoices and schedule payments to vendors, referring to the action as 支払い処理 (shiharai shori - payment processing). Employees submit expense reports and wait for their travel expenses to be paid back (交通費が支払われる - koutsuuhi ga shiharawareru). The word bridges the gap between casual consumer spending and high-level corporate finance.

E-commerce and Apps: Buttons and menus online use this term to finalize transactions and check out.

画面の「支払う」ボタンをタップしてください。

Please tap the 'Pay' button on the screen.

Finally, you will hear 支払う in news broadcasts and media. Economic reports discussing national debt, corporate bankruptcies, or changes in consumer spending habits will frequently employ this verb. For instance, a news anchor might report on a company failing to pay its employees (給料を支払えない - kyuuryou wo shiharaenai) or the government paying out subsidies (補助金を支払う - hojokin wo shiharau). By paying attention to these different contexts—from the polite inquiries of a cashier to the formal declarations of a news anchor—learners can develop a comprehensive understanding of how 支払う functions across all levels of Japanese society.

政府は被害者に賠償金を支払うことを決定した。

The government decided to pay compensation to the victims.

来月、ボーナスが支払われる予定です。

The bonus is scheduled to be paid next month.

When learning the verb 支払う, English speakers often encounter several stumbling blocks, primarily stemming from direct translation habits and particle confusion. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing 支払う (shiharau) with 買う (kau - to buy). In English, we might say 'I paid for the book', which blends the concepts of purchasing and transferring money. In Japanese, these actions are distinct. If you want to say you bought a book, you say 本を買う (hon o kau). If you say 本を支払う (hon o shiharau), it sounds bizarre to a native speaker, as if the book itself is the currency you are handing over. You must pay the *price* of the book, not the book itself: 本の代金を支払う (hon no daikin o shiharau). This distinction between the item acquired and the money transferred is a crucial grammatical boundary.

Mistake: Direct Object Confusion: Do not use the item purchased as the direct object (を) of 支払う. Use the cost, bill, or money instead.

❌ コーヒーを支払う。
✅ コーヒー代を支払う。

Incorrect: Pay the coffee. Correct: Pay the coffee bill.

Another common error involves the misuse of particles when indicating the recipient of the payment. English speakers might try to use the particle へ (e - towards) or even を (wo) for the person receiving the money. For example, saying 友達を支払う (tomodachi o shiharau) implies you are using your friend as currency. The correct particle for the recipient is に (ni). You pay money *to* someone: 友達にお金を支払う (tomodachi ni okane o shiharau). Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with expressing the method of payment. Instead of using で (de - by means of), they might incorrectly use で (de) as a location marker or use に (ni). Remember that クレジットカードで (by credit card) and 現金で (by cash) are fixed patterns that rely on the instrumental use of the で particle.

Mistake: Wrong Recipient Particle: Using を instead of に for the person receiving the payment creates a nonsensical sentence.

❌ 店員を支払う。
✅ 店員に支払う。

Incorrect: Pay the clerk (as money). Correct: Pay to the clerk.

A more subtle mistake is overusing 支払う in highly casual situations where a native speaker would simply use 払う (harau) or おごる (ogoru - to treat someone). While 支払う is never technically incorrect when money changes hands, saying 昨日のジュース代、支払うよ (Kinou no juusu dai, shiharau yo - I will pay the juice fee from yesterday) to a close friend sounds overly stiff and formal, almost like a business transaction. In such intimate contexts, simply saying 払うよ (harau yo) or 返すよ (kaesu yo - I will return/repay) is much more natural. Understanding the register and formality level of 支払う is key to sounding fluent rather than like a textbook.

Mistake: Over-formality: Using 支払う for trivial amounts among close friends can sound unnatural and distant.

❌ (To a best friend) 映画のチケット代を支払うね。
✅ (To a best friend) 映画のチケット代、払うね。

Incorrect (too stiff): I shall remit payment for the movie ticket. Correct: I'll pay for the movie ticket.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse the pronunciation and kanji reading. The verb is 支払う (shi-hara-u), not 支払う (shi-futsu-u) or some other incorrect on'yomi reading. The kanji 払 is read as 'harau' in this context. Additionally, when typing, ensure you do not accidentally select a homophone or visually similar kanji. Paying attention to the exact phonetic structure and the specific kanji combination will prevent embarrassing written errors in emails or text messages. Consistent practice with the correct particle structures and contextual awareness will smooth out these common mistakes.

正しい助詞を使って支払うという動詞を練習しましょう。

Let's practice the verb 'to pay' using the correct particles.

家賃は銀行振込で支払うのが一般的です。

It is common to pay rent via bank transfer.

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary related to financial transactions, and while 支払う is the most standard and versatile term for 'to pay', several alternatives exist that convey slightly different nuances, formalities, or specific contexts. The most immediate relative is the base verb 払う (harau). As mentioned previously, 払う is the more casual and broader counterpart. While 支払う is strictly limited to financial payments, 払う can mean to pay money, but it can also mean to brush off (like dust), to clear away, or to pay attention (注意を払う - chuui o harau). In casual conversation, 払う is the go-to word for settling small debts among friends or paying for a quick meal. 支払う, with the added 支 (shi) kanji, narrows the focus entirely to formal financial settlement.

払う (harau): The casual and broader version of to pay. Also means to brush off or pay attention.

今日は私が払うよ。

I'll pay today. (Casual)

Another important alternative is 納める (osameru), which translates to 'to pay', 'to supply', or 'to dedicate'. This verb is highly specific and is almost exclusively used when paying taxes (税金を納める - zeikin o osameru), tuition fees (学費を納める - gakuhi o osameru), or dues to an organization or the government. It carries a strong nuance of fulfilling a civic duty or a formal obligation to a higher authority. You would never use 納める to describe paying for a coffee at Starbucks. Understanding when to use 納める instead of 支払う is a hallmark of advanced Japanese proficiency, particularly in administrative or legal contexts.

納める (osameru): To pay taxes, fees, or dues to an authority or organization. Implies fulfilling a duty.

国民は税金を納める義務がある。

Citizens have a duty to pay taxes.

In modern, particularly digital, contexts, you will frequently encounter the word 決済する (kessai suru). This translates to 'to settle' or 'to process a payment'. It is heavily used in e-commerce, banking, and corporate finance. When an online transaction is completed, the system might display 決済が完了しました (kessai ga kanryou shimashita - the payment has been settled). While 支払う focuses on the action of the person handing over the money, 決済する focuses on the systemic completion of the transaction. It is a very technical and objective term. Another related term is 負担する (futan suru), which means 'to bear the cost' or 'to shoulder the burden'. If a company is paying for your travel expenses, they are bearing the cost (会社が交通費を負担する - kaisha ga koutsuuhi o futan suru).

決済する (kessai suru): To settle a payment, typically used in digital, banking, or corporate transaction contexts.

クレジットカードで決済する。

To settle the payment with a credit card.

Finally, when discussing returning money that was borrowed, the correct verb is 返す (kaesu) or the more formal 返済する (hensai suru - to repay a loan). You do not 'pay' a loan in Japanese using 支払う; you return the money. 借金を返済する (shakkin o hensai suru) means to repay a debt. By differentiating between 支払う (standard payment), 払う (casual payment), 納める (duty payment), 決済する (transaction settlement), 負担する (bearing the cost), and 返済する (repayment), learners can articulate financial matters with native-like precision and clarity.

送料は当社が負担する。

Our company will bear the shipping costs.

銀行から借りたお金を毎月返済する。

To repay the money borrowed from the bank every month.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"期日までに代金をお支払いいただきますようお願い申し上げます。"

중립

"クレジットカードで支払います。"

비격식체

"これ、私が支払うよ。"

Child friendly

"おみせのひとにおかねをはらうよ。"

속어

"今日の飲み代、俺が持つわ。"

재미있는 사실

The kanji 払 (harau) originally depicted a hand (the left radical 扌) striking or sweeping something away. When you 'pay' a bill in Japanese, you are conceptually 'sweeping away' the debt from your life!

발음 가이드

UK /ɕi.ha.ɾa.ɯ/

US /ʃi.hɑ.ɾɑ.u/

The pitch accent is Heiban (flat). It starts low on 'shi', rises on 'ha', and stays high for 'ra' and 'u': shi-HA-RA-U.

라임이 맞는 단어

洗う (arau - to wash) 笑う (warau - to laugh) 貰う (morau - to receive) 語らう (katarau - to talk together) 戦う (tatakau - to fight) 願う (negau - to wish) 向かう (mukau - to face) 歌う (utau - to sing)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard American 'r'. It should be a light tap against the alveolar ridge.
Misreading the kanji as 'shi-futsu-u'.
Dropping the final 'u' sound completely.
Placing stress on the first syllable 'shi' (SHI-ha-ra-u), which sounds unnatural.
Confusing it with 'shirau' (which is not a word).

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji 支 (N5) and 払 (N4) are relatively common and easy to recognize.

쓰기 4/5

Remembering the exact stroke order for 払 (specifically the right side) can trip up beginners.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, and it conjugates like a standard Group 1 (Godan) verb.

듣기 3/5

Often heard in its noun form 'oshiharai' with polite prefixes, which can confuse beginners listening for the verb.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

お金 (okane - money) 買う (kau - to buy) 払う (harau - to pay) いくら (ikura - how much) 現金 (genkin - cash)

다음에 배울 것

請求する (seikyuu suru - to bill/charge) 受け取る (uketoru - to receive) 振り込む (furikomu - to transfer money) 決済する (kessai suru - to settle a payment) 領収書 (ryoushuusho - receipt)

고급

滞納する (tainou suru - to fall behind on payments) 融資 (yuushi - financing/loan) 負債 (fusai - debt) 償還 (shoukan - repayment/redemption) 相殺する (sousai suru - to offset/cancel out)

알아야 할 문법

Particle を (wo) for Direct Object

代金を支払う (To pay the fee) - The money/fee is the direct object being acted upon.

Particle に (ni) for Recipient

大家さんに支払う (To pay the landlord) - The person receiving the money is marked with に.

Particle で (de) for Method/Means

現金で支払う (To pay with cash) - The tool or method used to complete the action is marked with で.

Potential Form (Can do)

支払える (Can pay) / 支払うことができる (Can pay) - Used to ask if a certain payment method is accepted.

Te-form + おく (Preparation)

支払っておく (To pay in advance) - Indicates completing the payment in preparation for the future.

수준별 예문

お金を支払う。

To pay money.

Basic Object + Verb structure using particle を.

レジで支払う。

To pay at the register.

Location marker で + Verb.

カードで支払う。

To pay by card.

Method marker で + Verb.

支払いは現金です。

Payment is in cash.

Noun form 支払い used as the subject.

ここで支払います。

I will pay here.

Polite form 支払います.

支払いをします。

I will make the payment.

Noun 支払い + を + します.

いくら支払いますか。

How much will I pay?

Question word いくら + Verb.

スマホで支払う。

To pay with a smartphone.

Modern context using で.

クレジットカードで支払うことができますか。

Can I pay with a credit card?

Potential form expression ことができます.

毎月、家賃を支払います。

I pay rent every month.

Time word 毎月 + Object 家賃.

まだ支払っていません。

I haven't paid yet.

Te-form + いません for ongoing negative state.

電気代を支払うのを忘れました。

I forgot to pay the electricity bill.

Nominalizer の + を忘れました.

コンビニで料金を支払った。

I paid the fee at the convenience store.

Past tense plain form 支払った.

友達の分も支払います。

I will pay for my friend's share too.

Particle も meaning 'also/too'.

お支払いはどうなさいますか。

How would you like to pay?

Honorific Keigo phrase used by staff.

現金で支払う方が好きです。

I prefer paying in cash.

Comparison/Preference structure 方が好きです.

期日までに税金を支払わなければなりません。

You must pay your taxes by the due date.

Obligation form なければなりません.

オンラインで注文して、後で支払うことができます。

You can order online and pay later.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

給料が支払われるのは毎月25日です。

The salary is paid on the 25th of every month.

Passive form 支払われる.

分割で支払うことは可能でしょうか。

Would it be possible to pay in installments?

Polite inquiry using でしょうか.

手数料はお客様が支払うことになっています。

The handling fee is to be paid by the customer.

Rule/Custom structure ことになっています.

前もってホテル代を支払っておきました。

I paid the hotel bill in advance.

Preparation form ておきました.

彼に借金を支払うように言われた。

I was told by him to pay the debt.

Indirect command ように言われた.

支払いが遅れると、延滞金がかかります。

If the payment is delayed, a late fee will be charged.

Conditional と (if/when).

契約書には、違約金を支払う義務があると記載されている。

The contract states that there is an obligation to pay a penalty.

Formal quotation と記載されている.

会社は従業員に対して正当な残業代を支払うべきだ。

The company should pay fair overtime wages to its employees.

Strong recommendation/duty べきだ.

万が一、損害が発生した場合は、全額を支払わせていただきます。

In the unlikely event that damage occurs, we will pay the full amount.

Humble causative form させていただきます.

高額な医療費を支払わざるを得なかった。

I had no choice but to pay the expensive medical bills.

No choice but to structure ざるを得なかった.

ボーナスが支払われたおかげで、新しいパソコンが買えた。

Thanks to the bonus being paid, I was able to buy a new computer.

Expressing gratitude/cause おかげで.

支払いを済ませてから、商品を受け取ってください。

Please receive the goods after completing the payment.

Action sequence てから.

彼は決して自分で支払おうとしない。

He never tries to pay for himself.

Volitional + としない (shows lack of intention).

システム障害により、二重に支払われてしまった。

Due to a system failure, it was paid twice.

Passive + てしまった (regret/accident).

下請け業者への支払いを不当に遅延させることは法律で禁じられている。

Unreasonably delaying payments to subcontractors is prohibited by law.

Formal legal phrasing 禁じられている.

莫大な賠償金を支払わされる羽目になった。

They ended up being forced to pay massive compensation.

Causative-passive 支払わされる + 羽目になる (end up in a bad situation).

資金繰りが悪化し、買掛金を支払うめどが立たない。

Cash flow has worsened, and there is no prospect of paying the accounts payable.

Business idiom めどが立たない.

保険金が支払われるか否かは、調査結果次第である。

Whether or not the insurance money will be paid depends on the investigation results.

Whether or not か否か + 次第である (depends on).

彼は口先だけで、実際に費用を支払ったためしがない。

He is all talk and has never actually paid the expenses.

Strong negative experience ためしがない.

当該サービスを利用した時点で、利用料金を支払うことに同意したものとみなされます。

At the time of using the service, it is deemed that you have agreed to pay the usage fee.

Legal assumption みなされます.

誠意をもって対応し、解決金を支払うことで和解が成立した。

A settlement was reached by responding in good faith and paying a settlement fee.

Formal business/legal resolution 和解が成立した.

これ以上の追加費用を支払う余裕は、我が社には一切ない。

Our company has absolutely no margin to pay any further additional costs.

Strong negation 一切ない.

債務不履行に陥り、利息すら支払えない窮地に立たされている。

Having fallen into default, they are in a desperate situation where they cannot even pay the interest.

Extreme particle すら + Potential negative.

巨額の国債の利払いを支払うために、さらなる増税が議論されている。

Further tax increases are being debated in order to pay the interest on the massive national debt.

Advanced economic vocabulary 国債の利払い.

契約の瑕疵を理由に、残金の支払いを拒絶する構えを見せている。

They are showing a posture of refusing to pay the remaining balance, citing defects in the contract.

Formal legal posture 構えを見せている.

いかなる名目であれ、反社会的勢力に金銭を支払うことは断じて許されない。

Paying money to anti-social forces under any pretext is absolutely unforgivable.

Absolute prohibition 断じて許されない.

長年の功労に対し、特別退職金が支払われる運びとなった。

It has been arranged that a special retirement allowance will be paid in recognition of many years of distinguished service.

Formal arrangement 運びとなった.

自己破産を申し立てたため、債権者への支払いは事実上免責された。

Because they filed for personal bankruptcy, payments to creditors were effectively discharged.

Legal discharge 免責された.

相応の対価を支払わずして、質の高いサービスを要求するのは虫が良すぎる。

It is too selfish to demand high-quality service without paying appropriate compensation.

Literary negative ずして + Idiom 虫が良すぎる.

不祥事の代償として、企業は社会的信用の失墜という目に見えない重いコストを支払うことになった。

As the price for the scandal, the company ended up paying the heavy, invisible cost of losing social trust.

Metaphorical use of paying a cost/price.

자주 쓰는 조합

代金を支払う

現金で支払う

クレジットカードで支払う

家賃を支払う

税金を支払う

給料が支払われる

全額を支払う

分割で支払う

前もって支払う

支払いを済ませる

자주 쓰는 구문

お支払いはどうなさいますか

お支払いはご一緒でよろしいですか

支払いを済ませる

支払いを滞納する

支払い期限

支払い方法

着払い

前払い

後払い

支払い能力

자주 혼동되는 단어

支払う vs 払う (harau)

While both mean 'to pay', 払う is casual and has other meanings (to brush off). 支払う is strictly for financial transactions and is more formal.

支払う vs 買う (kau)

買う means 'to buy' (the act of acquiring goods). 支払う means 'to pay' (the act of transferring money). You buy a book (本を買う), but you pay the price (代金を支払う).

支払う vs 返す (kaesu)

返す means 'to return' or 'to repay'. You use this when returning borrowed money (借金を返す), not 支払う.

관용어 및 표현

"高い代償を支払う"

To pay a high price (metaphorically). To suffer greatly for a mistake.

彼は嘘をついたことで高い代償を支払った。

Formal/Literary

"犠牲を払う"

To make a sacrifice. (Uses the root harau, closely related).

成功のために多くの犠牲を払った。

Formal

"ツケを払う"

To pay the tab, or metaphorically, to face the consequences of past actions.

若い頃の不摂生のツケを払うことになった。

Casual/Idiomatic

"自腹を切る"

To pay out of one's own pocket. To bear an expense personally.

会社の飲み会で自腹を切った。

Casual/Business

"身銭を切る"

To spend one's own money (often for someone else or a cause).

社長が身銭を切って寄付をした。

Formal/Idiomatic

"割り勘にする"

To split the bill evenly. Dutch treat.

今日のランチは割り勘にしよう。

Casual/Everyday

"おごる"

To treat someone. To pay for someone else's meal.

今日は僕がおごるよ。

Casual

"キャッシュでポンと払う"

To pay in cash upfront without hesitation.

彼は高級車をキャッシュでポンと払った。

Casual/Slang

"金に糸目をつけない"

To spare no expense. To pay any amount.

彼女は趣味のためなら金に糸目をつけない。

Idiomatic

"足が出る"

To exceed the budget. To have expenses greater than income.

旅行で買い物をしすぎて足が出た。

Idiomatic

혼동하기 쉬운

支払う vs 払う (harau)

It is the root word of 支払う and translates to the exact same English word 'to pay'.

払う is broader and more casual. It can mean paying money, but also brushing off dust or paying attention. 支払う is restricted entirely to formal financial payments.

ほこりを払う (To brush off dust - correct). ほこりを支払う (Incorrect).

支払う vs 買う (kau)

English speakers often say 'I paid for the apple', mixing the item and the payment.

買う takes the item as the direct object (りんごを買う - buy an apple). 支払う takes the money/cost as the direct object (りんごの代金を支払う - pay the cost of the apple).

車を買う (Buy a car). 車のローンを支払う (Pay the car loan).

支払う vs 納める (osameru)

Both mean to hand over money to fulfill an obligation.

納める is specifically used for paying taxes, tuition, or dues to an authority or organization. 支払う is for commercial transactions, bills, and general payments.

税金を納める (Pay taxes - highly natural). コーヒー代を納める (Incorrect - sounds like you are paying a coffee tax to the government).

支払う vs 決済する (kessai suru)

Both are used in modern shopping, especially online.

決済する means 'to process/settle a transaction' from a systemic viewpoint. 支払う is the human action of giving the money.

システムで決済する (Settle via the system). レジで支払う (Pay at the register).

支払う vs 負担する (futan suru)

Used when someone is covering a cost.

負担する means 'to bear the financial burden'. It focuses on who is taking responsibility for the cost, not the physical act of handing over money.

会社が交通費を負担する (The company bears the transportation cost).

문장 패턴

[Method] で支払う

カードで支払う (To pay by card)

[Amount/Bill] を支払う

家賃を支払う (To pay rent)

[Recipient] に [Amount] を支払う

会社に税金を支払う (To pay taxes to the company)

支払わなければならない

今日中に支払わなければならない (Must pay by today)

支払うことができる / 支払える

分割で支払うことができます (You can pay in installments)

支払われる (Passive)

給料が支払われる (Salary is paid)

支払う義務がある

違約金を支払う義務がある (Have an obligation to pay a penalty)

支払わざるを得ない

高額な修理代を支払わざるを得ない (Have no choice but to pay the expensive repair fee)

어휘 가족

명사

동사

사용법

frequency

Extremely High (Top 1000 words in Japanese). Essential for daily life.

자주 하는 실수

りんごを支払う (Ringo wo shiharau) → りんごの代金を支払う (Ringo no daikin wo shiharau)
English speakers often use the item purchased as the direct object of 'to pay'. In Japanese, you cannot 'pay an apple'. You must pay the 'price' (代金) or 'fee' (代) of the apple.
友達を支払う (Tomodachi wo shiharau) → 友達に支払う (Tomodachi ni shiharau)
Using を marks the friend as the currency being handed over. To indicate the recipient of the payment, you must use the particle に (ni).
敬意を支払う (Keii wo shiharau) → 敬意を払う (Keii wo harau)
The English idiom 'to pay respect' translates using the simpler verb 払う (harau). 支払う is strictly reserved for financial, monetary transactions.
クレジットカードに支払う (Kurejitto kaado ni shiharau) → クレジットカードで支払う (Kurejitto kaado de shiharau)
Using に implies you are giving money TO the credit card itself. To indicate the *method* of payment, you must use the particle で (de).
借金を支払う (Shakkin wo shiharau) → 借金を返す / 借金を返済する (Shakkin wo kaesu / hensai suru)
While understandable, you do not typically 'pay' a loan or debt in Japanese; you 'return' (返す) or 'repay' (返済する) it. 支払う is for bills and purchases.

팁

Master the Particles

Always remember: を for the money/bill, に for the recipient, で for the method. Example: 銀行に(ni) 現金で(de) 手数料を(wo) 支払う。

Formal vs. Casual

Use 支払う at the city hall, bank, or in business emails. Use 払う when hanging out with friends at an izakaya.

Look for the Noun

When shopping online in Japan, look for the button that says 支払い (Payment) or 支払う (Pay) to complete your checkout.

Tap the 'R'

Ensure the 'r' in 'rau' is a quick tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth, not a hard English 'R'.

The Money Tray

When you 支払う at a store, place your cash or card on the small tray provided, rather than handing it directly to the cashier.

Don't Pay the Item

Never say 本を支払う (pay the book). Always add 代 (dai - fee) or 金 (kin - money): 本代を支払う (pay the book fee).

Listen for Keigo

Train your ears to recognize お支払いはどうなさいますか (How will you pay?). You will hear this everywhere in Japan.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 支 looks like a branch supporting something. 払 has the hand radical 扌. Together, they mean supporting a business by handing over money.

Passive Form for Income

If you want to talk about getting paid your salary, use the passive form: 給料が支払われる (The salary is paid).

Taxes are Different

If you are paying taxes (税金), it is more natural and formal to use 納める (osameru) instead of 支払う, though both are understood.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a SHEEP (shi) laughing 'HA HA' (ha) while running (ra) to YOU (u) to PAY you money. Shi-ha-ra-u = to pay.

시각적 연상

Visualize a branch (支) sweeping (払) coins off a table into a cash register. You are supporting (支) the store by sweeping (払) your money to them.

Word Web

支払う (To pay) --> お金 (Money) --> レジ (Register) --> クレジットカード (Credit card) --> 料金 (Fee) --> 支払い (Payment) --> 払う (To pay - casual) --> 請求書 (Bill/Invoice)

챌린지

Next time you buy something, mentally say 'クレジットカードで支払います' (I will pay by credit card) or '現金で支払います' (I will pay by cash) as you hand over your payment.

어원

The word 支払う (shiharau) is a compound verb. It combines 支 (shi), meaning 'to support', 'to branch', or 'to disburse', with 払う (harau), meaning 'to clear away', 'to sweep', or 'to pay'. Historically, 払う meant to sweep away evil spirits or physical dirt. Over time, 'clearing away' a debt became synonymous with paying it. The addition of 支 (from words like 支出 shishutsu - expenditure) formalized the term specifically for financial disbursement.

원래 의미: To clear away a financial obligation or disburse funds.

Japonic (Native Japanese compound using Sino-Japanese kanji for meaning).

문화적 맥락

When discussing someone's inability to pay (支払えない), use tact, as financial struggles are a sensitive topic in Japan. Avoid direct confrontation about unpaid debts in public.

In English, 'pay' is used broadly (pay attention, pay a visit). In Japanese, 支払う is strictly for money. Do not use it for 'paying attention' (use 注意を払う instead).

The phrase 'お支払いは...' is heard millions of times a day across Japan's 50,000+ convenience stores. Japanese banking apps prominently feature the '支払う' button for transferring funds. In anime and dramas, a dramatic scene often involves a character slamming money on a table and shouting '俺が支払う！' (I'll pay!).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At a Convenience Store

お支払いはどうなさいますか (How will you pay?)
現金で支払います (I will pay with cash)
カードで支払えますか (Can I pay with a card?)
支払いを済ませる (To finish paying)

At a Restaurant

お会計をお願いします (The bill, please)
別々に支払えますか (Can we pay separately?)
私が支払います (I will pay)
割り勘にしましょう (Let's split the bill)

Online Shopping

支払い方法を選択 (Select payment method)
クレジットカードで支払う (Pay by credit card)
コンビニ支払い (Convenience store payment)
支払いへ進む (Proceed to payment)

Paying Bills/Taxes

電気代を支払う (Pay the electricity bill)
支払い期限 (Payment deadline)
銀行振込で支払う (Pay by bank transfer)
税金を納める/支払う (Pay taxes)

Business/Corporate

請求書を支払う (Pay an invoice)
支払い条件 (Payment terms)
月末に支払われる (Paid at the end of the month)
経費で支払う (Pay as a business expense)

대화 시작하기

"このレストラン、カードで支払うことができますか？ (Can I pay with a card at this restaurant?)"

"毎月の携帯代、いくらぐらい支払っていますか？ (About how much do you pay for your cell phone bill every month?)"

"日本では現金で支払う人がまだ多いですか？ (Are there still many people who pay with cash in Japan?)"

"友達とご飯に行くとき、いつもどうやって支払いを分けますか？ (When you go out to eat with friends, how do you usually split the payment?)"

"最近、スマホで支払うことが増えましたか？ (Have you been paying with your smartphone more often recently?)"

일기 주제

Write about a time you forgot your wallet and couldn't pay for something. (財布を忘れて支払えなかった時のことを書いてください。)

Describe your preferred payment method (cash, card, app) and why you like it. (好きな支払い方法とその理由を書いてください。)

What is the most expensive thing you have ever paid for? (今まで支払った中で一番高かったものは何ですか。)

Explain the process of paying utility bills in your home country versus Japan. (あなたの国と日本の公共料金の支払い方法の違いを説明してください。)

Do you think cash payments will eventually disappear? Why or why not? (現金での支払いは将来なくなると思いますか。理由も書いてください。)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is grammatically correct but sounds very stiff and unnatural. For treating a friend, it is much better to use おごる (ogoru - to treat) or the casual 払う (harau - to pay). For example, '今日は私がおごるよ' (I'll treat you today) or '私が払うよ' (I'll pay).

支払う (shiharau) is the verb meaning 'to pay'. 支払い (shiharai) is the noun form meaning 'payment'. You will see the noun form much more often on signs, websites, and apps, often with the polite 'o' prefix: お支払い (oshiharai).

Cashiers use Keigo (polite language). Asking 'Oshiharai wa (dou nasaimasu ka)?' uses the honorific noun form to show deep respect to the customer. Asking 'Shiharaimasu ka?' (Will you pay?) sounds blunt and slightly accusatory, as if questioning whether the customer intends to pay at all.

You use both, but for different things. Use を (wo) for the money or the bill being paid (e.g., 家賃を支払う - pay the rent). Use に (ni) for the person or company receiving the money (e.g., 大家さんに支払う - pay to the landlord).

No, this is a common mistake. In Japanese, you cannot use the physical item as the direct object of 'to pay'. You must pay the *cost* of the item. The correct phrasing is コーヒー代を支払う (koohii dai wo shiharau - pay the coffee fee/cost).

支払う is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. It ends in 'u', and conjugates accordingly: 支払わない (negative), 支払います (polite), 支払って (te-form), 支払った (past).

The specific term for cash on delivery is 着払い (chakubarai), which uses the root 'harai'. If you want to use the verb, you could say 届いた時に支払う (todoita toki ni shiharau - pay when it arrives).

No. 支払う is strictly for financial transactions. To say 'pay respect', you would use 敬意を払う (keii wo harau). Notice it uses the simpler verb 払う, not the compound 支払う.

前払い (maebarai) is a noun meaning 'advance payment' or 'prepayment'. It combines 前 (mae - before) with 払い (harai - payment). The opposite is 後払い (atobarai - deferred payment).

You use the particle で (de) to indicate the method. クレジットカードで支払いました (Kurejitto kaado de shiharaimashita).