In 15 Seconds
- Used for borrowing money and taking on debt.
- Combines 'shakkin' (debt) with 'suru' (to do).
- Implies a serious financial obligation or formal loan.
Meaning
This phrase means taking out a loan or borrowing money that you are expected to pay back with interest. It's the standard way to talk about going into debt, whether it's from a bank or a person.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new house
家を買うために、銀行で借金をした。
I borrowed money from the bank to buy a house.
Texting a friend about a shopping spree
買いすぎて借金をしちゃった！
I bought too much and ended up in debt!
A serious conversation with a partner
実は、親戚に借金をしているんだ。
To be honest, I've borrowed money from a relative.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Giri' (social obligation) makes debt very serious. Borrowing from friends is often avoided to maintain 'Wa' (harmony). Historically, Japanese companies relied heavily on bank loans ({借金|しゃっきん}) rather than equity, leading to the 'Main Bank' system. Younger Japanese are more comfortable with 'Revo-barai' (revolving payments), though it is still technically a form of {借金|しゃっきん}. Samurai often fell into {借金|しゃっきん} to merchants, which eventually shifted the power balance in Japanese society.
Use 'Loan' for Cars
When talking about cars or houses, use '{ローン|ろーん}を{組|く}む' to sound more natural and modern.
Stigma Alert
Avoid asking Japanese friends if they have {借金|しゃっきん}; it's considered very rude and intrusive.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for borrowing money and taking on debt.
- Combines 'shakkin' (debt) with 'suru' (to do).
- Implies a serious financial obligation or formal loan.
What It Means
借金をする is the most common way to say you are borrowing money. The word 借金 (shakkin) literally means 'borrowed money' or 'debt.' When you add をする (to do), it becomes the action of taking on that debt. It sounds a bit more serious than just 'borrowing a pencil.' It usually implies a formal arrangement or a significant amount of cash.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you are the one receiving the money. It’s a simple noun-plus-verb construction. You can use it in the past tense 借金をした to say you already borrowed it. If you want to be polite, use 借金をします. It’s very versatile! You can use it for bank loans, credit cards, or even borrowing from family. Just remember, it carries the weight of responsibility.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing finances or serious life choices. If you are applying for a mortgage, you are technically doing 借金. If a character in a drama is in trouble with a loan shark, they definitely did 借金. It’s perfect for business meetings or talking to a financial advisor. You might also use it when joking with friends about your shopping habits. 'I bought too many clothes, now I need to 借金をする!'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, casual things. If you forgot your wallet and need 100 yen for a soda, don't use 借金. In that case, just use the verb 借りる (kariru). Using 借金 for a tiny amount sounds overly dramatic. It’s like saying 'I am entering into a financial contract' for a piece of gum. Also, avoid it in very high-level legal documents where 融資を受ける (receiving financing) is preferred.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a traditional stigma attached to 借金. Many people were raised to believe that debt is something to be avoided at all costs. This is why you might see people apologize profusely when borrowing even small amounts. However, modern Japan relies heavily on credit, just like everywhere else. Still, the word 借金 can feel a bit 'heavy' or 'dark' compared to the English word 'loan.' It often appears in stories about gambling or business failure.
Common Variations
You will often hear 借金がある (shakkin ga aru), which means 'to have debt.' If someone is struggling to pay it back, they might say 借金に追われる (shakkin ni owareru), meaning 'to be chased by debt.' If you finally pay it off, you say 借金を返す (shakkin o kaesu). These variations help you describe the whole lifecycle of a loan. It’s a useful set of words for any adult conversation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral in formality but heavy in nuance. Use it for significant financial debts, and stick to 'kariru' for casual favors or small amounts of money.
Use 'Loan' for Cars
When talking about cars or houses, use '{ローン|ろーん}を{組|く}む' to sound more natural and modern.
Stigma Alert
Avoid asking Japanese friends if they have {借金|しゃっきん}; it's considered very rude and intrusive.
Particle Choice
Use 'kara' for institutions (banks) and 'ni' for individuals (friends).
Scholarships
Remember that {奨学金|しょうがくきん} (scholarships) in Japan are often actually low-interest loans that must be repaid.
Examples
6家を買うために、銀行で借金をした。
I borrowed money from the bank to buy a house.
Standard use for a mortgage or large bank loan.
買いすぎて借金をしちゃった！
I bought too much and ended up in debt!
The 'shichatta' ending adds a casual, regretful tone.
実は、親戚に借金をしているんだ。
To be honest, I've borrowed money from a relative.
Using 'shite iru' shows an ongoing state of debt.
今は借金をしたくないから、自炊するよ。
I don't want to go into debt, so I'll cook at home.
Expressing a desire to avoid financial trouble.
事業を始めるには、借金をする必要があります。
To start the business, it is necessary to borrow money.
Formal structure suitable for a professional setting.
ガチャのために借金をするなんて、バカだよね。
Borrowing money for gacha games is pretty stupid, right?
Self-deprecating humor about modern spending habits.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle.
{銀行|ぎんこう} ( ) {借金|しゃっきん}をしました。
We use 'kara' (from) to indicate the source of the borrowed money.
Which sentence is correct for borrowing a book?
Choose the natural sentence:
{借金|しゃっきん} is only for money. For objects, use {借|か}りる.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {車|くるま}を{買|か}いたいけど、お{金|かね}がないんだ。 B: {銀行|ぎんこう}で ( ) たら？
The pattern '~たら？' (How about...?) follows the pre-masu form or ta-form. '{借金|しゃっきん}したら？' is the most natural suggestion.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking to a bank manager about a business loan.
While {借金|しゃっきん}をする is correct, in a formal bank setting, {融資|ゆうし} (financing) is the professional term.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Borrowing Objects vs Money
Practice Bank
4 exercises{銀行|ぎんこう} ( ) {借金|しゃっきん}をしました。
We use 'kara' (from) to indicate the source of the borrowed money.
Choose the natural sentence:
{借金|しゃっきん} is only for money. For objects, use {借|か}りる.
A: {車|くるま}を{買|か}いたいけど、お{金|かね}がないんだ。 B: {銀行|ぎんこう}で ( ) たら？
The pattern '~たら？' (How about...?) follows the pre-masu form or ta-form. '{借金|しゃっきん}したら？' is the most natural suggestion.
You are talking to a bank manager about a business loan.
While {借金|しゃっきん}をする is correct, in a formal bank setting, {融資|ゆうし} (financing) is the professional term.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. It implies a lack of money. For business, {融資|ゆうし} is used to sound positive.
Yes, but 'ka-do o tsukau' (use a card) is more common unless you can't pay the bill.
{借金|しゃっきん} is conversational; {負債|ふさい} is for accounting and news.
Use '{借金|しゃっきん}がある' (shakkin ga aru).
It is generally discouraged and can end friendships.
It means being 'covered in debt' or 'drowning in debt'.
No, that's redundant. Use {借金|しゃっきん}をする.
Yes, but it's usually called '{住宅|じゅうたく}ローン'.
Use '{金|かね}を{貸|か}す' (kane o kasu).
Illegal, high-interest loan sharks (short for {闇|やみ}の{借金|しゃっきん}).
Related Phrases
{借|か}りる
similarTo borrow (anything)
{返済|へんさい}する
contrastTo repay a debt
{融資|ゆうし}
specialized formFinancing/Investment loan
{負債|ふさい}
synonymDebt/Liabilities
{踏|ふ}み{倒|たお}す
specialized formTo default on a debt
