お金を払う
ja phrase 01392
pay money
Literally: お金 (money) + を (object marker) + 払う (to pay/sweep)
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'pay money' in any situation.
- Uses the verb 'harau', which also means to sweep or purify.
- Neutral formality, making it safe for both friends and shops.
Meaning
This is the standard, everyday way to say you are paying for something. Whether you're buying a coffee or paying a monthly bill, this phrase covers the act of handing over money.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a ramen shop with a friend
私がラーメンのお金を払うよ。
I'll pay for the ramen.
Asking a clerk where the register is
どこでお金を払いますか？
Where do I pay?
Texting a roommate about the electricity bill
電気代のお金、もう払った？
Did you already pay the electricity bill?
Cultural Background
When paying at a register, always look for a small tray. Placing money directly into a cashier's hand is often avoided for hygiene and politeness. The 'Upper Seat' (Kamiza) rule applies to paying. Usually, the most senior person or the host pays the entire bill to show hospitality and status. Cashless payment is now the norm in cities. Phrases like 'PayPay de' (By PayPay) are heard constantly at convenience stores. The concept of 'Harai' (purification) means that paying a debt is seen as clearing one's conscience and social standing.
The 'De' Particle
Always use 'de' for the method of payment (Card de, Genkin de, PayPay de).
Don't 'Ageru' the Cashier
Never say 'Okane o ageru' at a shop. It sounds like you are giving the cashier a personal gift or a tip (which isn't common in Japan anyway).
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'pay money' in any situation.
- Uses the verb 'harau', which also means to sweep or purify.
- Neutral formality, making it safe for both friends and shops.
What It Means
お金を払う is the bread and butter of Japanese transactions. It literally means "to pay money." You use it whenever money leaves your pocket. It applies to cash, credit cards, or digital apps. It is simple, direct, and very common. You will hear it at shops and restaurants daily. It is the most natural way to describe a purchase.
How To Use It
The structure is very straightforward. You take お金 (money), add the particle を (object marker), and finish with the verb 払う (to pay). In polite conversation, you say お金を払います. If you are talking to a close friend, you can just say お金払うね. You can also specify what you are paying for. Just put the item first, followed by の and then the phrase. For example, Ko-hi- no okane o harau means "pay for the coffee."
When To Use It
Use this phrase in almost any retail situation. Use it when the waiter brings the check. Use it when talking about your utility bills. It is perfect for telling a friend you will cover your share of dinner. It works well when asking where to pay. You might ask, "Doko de okane o haraimasu ka?" (Where do I pay?). It is also used when discussing debts or loans. Basically, if money is moving, this phrase fits.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if you are treating someone. If you are the host, use ogoru instead. Saying okane o harau sounds like a cold transaction. Also, do not use it in very formal business contracts. In those cases, the word shiharau is preferred. It sounds more professional and "stiff." Also, if you are just "giving" money as a gift, use ageru. Using harau implies you owe something or are buying something. Don't use it for a birthday present!
Cultural Background
In Japan, the verb harau has a deeper history. It originally meant to "sweep away" or "purify." In ancient times, people offered money to shrines to sweep away bad luck. This is why we still use harau for money today. Also, notice how people pay in Japan. You usually place money on a small tray. You rarely hand cash directly to the cashier's hand. It is a sign of respect and cleanliness. Even when using okane o harau, the physical act remains very polite.
Common Variations
You will often hear shiharau. This is just a formal version of the same thing. It combines "pay" and "go forward." You will see this on official receipts and invoices. Another common one is haraimodosu. This means to "pay back" or get a refund. If you buy a broken toy, you ask for a haraimodoshi. Finally, there is maebarai. This means "pre-payment." It is common for concert tickets or online orders.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase. Use the dictionary form `harau` with friends and the `masu` form `haraimasu` with strangers or in shops.
The 'De' Particle
Always use 'de' for the method of payment (Card de, Genkin de, PayPay de).
Don't 'Ageru' the Cashier
Never say 'Okane o ageru' at a shop. It sounds like you are giving the cashier a personal gift or a tip (which isn't common in Japan anyway).
Dropping the Object
In a restaurant, you can just say 'Haraimasu' (I'll pay). Everyone knows you're talking about money!
Examples
6私がラーメンのお金を払うよ。
I'll pay for the ramen.
A casual way to tell a friend you're covering the bill.
どこでお金を払いますか？
Where do I pay?
A polite, standard question for any store.
電気代のお金、もう払った？
Did you already pay the electricity bill?
Short and direct for a quick text message.
こんなに高いお金を払いたくないよ！
I don't want to pay this much money!
Uses 'takai' (expensive) to add emphasis to the amount.
両親が大学のお金を払ってくれました。
My parents paid for my university (for me).
Uses the '~te kureta' form to show appreciation.
来週までにお金を払います。
I will pay the money by next week.
Standard polite form suitable for professional commitments.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle.
レジで{お金|おかね} ( ) {払|はら}います。
The money is the direct object of the verb 'harau,' so we use 'o.'
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask to pay by card?
How do you ask to pay with a credit card?
We use 'de' to indicate the method (by card) and '~te mo ii desu ka' to ask for permission.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {今日|きょう}は{私|わたし}が{払|はら}うよ。 B: え、いいの？ A: うん、{昨日|きのう} ( ) から。
B says 'Is it okay?' because A is offering. A explains that B paid for them yesterday ('haratte moratta').
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to split the bill equally with 3 friends.
'Warikan' is the specific term for splitting the bill.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Pay
Methods
- • カードで
- • 現金で
- • スマホで
Situations
- • レジで
- • ネットで
- • 銀行で
Practice Bank
4 exercisesレジで{お金|おかね} ( ) {払|はら}います。
The money is the direct object of the verb 'harau,' so we use 'o.'
How do you ask to pay with a credit card?
We use 'de' to indicate the method (by card) and '~te mo ii desu ka' to ask for permission.
A: {今日|きょう}は{私|わたし}が{払|はら}うよ。 B: え、いいの？ A: うん、{昨日|きのう} ( ) から。
B says 'Is it okay?' because A is offering. A explains that B paid for them yesterday ('haratte moratta').
You want to split the bill equally with 3 friends.
'Warikan' is the specific term for splitting the bill.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! '{注意|ちゅうい}を{払|はら}う' (chuui o harau) is the standard way to say 'pay attention.'
'Harau' is for daily life and conversation. 'Shiharau' is formal and used in business or writing.
No, tipping is not part of the culture. You just 'harau' the exact amount on the bill.
You can say '{後|あと}で{払|はら}います' (Ato de haraimasu).
No, but adding the 'o' (o-kane) makes it polite. Most people use 'o-kane' in daily speech.
Related Phrases
{支払|しはら}う
specialized formTo pay (formal)
{奢|おご}る
similarTo treat someone
{納|おさ}める
specialized formTo pay (taxes/fees)
{代金|だいきん}を{払|はら}う
similarTo pay the price/charge
