To lend means providing something to someone with the expectation of its return.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To let someone use your item temporarily.
- The item must be returned to the owner later.
- Commonly used for money, books, and equipment.
Overview
- 1概要：「貸す」は、所有者が一時的に相手に物を使用させる行為を指します。所有権は貸した側にあり、借りた側は使用後に返却する義務があります。2) 使用パターン：「AがBにCを貸す」という形で使われます。Aは貸し手、Bは借り手、Cは貸す対象物です。例：「私は友達に本を貸した。」3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活で非常に頻繁に使われます。ペンや傘などの小さな物から、お金や家などの大きな物まで幅広く対象となります。ビジネスシーンでは、会議室を貸し出す、備品を貸し出すといった状況でも使われます。4) 類語との比較：「借りる」は「貸す」の反対語で、自分が相手から物を受け取る行為です。「貸し出す」は「貸す」よりも少しフォーマルで、図書館やレンタルショップなどが組織的に物を貸す場合によく使われます。
Examples
友達に本を貸しました。
everydayI lent a book to my friend.
会議室を貸していただけますか。
formalCould you please lend me the meeting room?
ペン、貸して。
informalLend me a pen.
図書館は書籍を貸し出している。
academicThe library lends out books.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
手を貸す
to lend a hand
耳を貸す
to lend an ear
貸しを作る
to create a favor
Often Confused With
This is the exact opposite action. 'Kasu' means to lend, while 'kariru' means to borrow.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'kasu' is used when the speaker is the owner providing an item. It is essential to distinguish it from 'kariru' (to borrow) to avoid confusion. In formal contexts, use 'kashite itadakemasu ka' to request something.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up the particles 'ni' and 'ga' when describing who is lending to whom. Remember that the person who receives the item is marked with 'ni'. Also, avoid using 'kasu' when you mean 'to borrow'.
Tips
Focus on the direction of action
Remember that 'kasu' moves away from the subject, while 'kariru' moves towards them. Visualize the item leaving your hand to remember 'kasu'.
Don't confuse with borrowing
A common mistake is using 'kasu' when you actually want to borrow something. Always double-check if you are the giver or the receiver.
Social etiquette in lending
In Japan, lending money to friends is often considered sensitive. It is common to be very polite or hesitant when asking to borrow or offering to lend.
Word Origin
The word originates from ancient Japanese roots related to transferring possession. It has been used historically to describe both lending goods and providing support.
Cultural Context
Lending items is a common social interaction in Japan, reflecting mutual help. However, there is a cultural nuance that one should be careful not to impose on others when asking to borrow.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kasu' as 'Cast away' (giving something away temporarily). If you keep the item, you are 'Kari-ru' (carrying it with you).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「貸す」は自分の物を相手に渡す行為で、「借りる」は相手から物を受け取る行為です。視点が逆になるので注意が必要です。
はい、丁寧な依頼の表現です。よりフォーマルにしたい場合は「貸していただけますか」を使うとさらに丁寧になります。
「貸す」ことは信頼関係に基づく行為ですが、トラブルを避けるために返済期限や条件を明確にしておくことが重要です。
「貸し出す」は施設や組織が正式に貸す場合に使われます。「貸す」は個人的なやり取りからビジネスまで幅広く使えます。
Test Yourself
友達にペンを___。
友達に物をあげるので「貸す」が適切です。
次のうち、正しい文はどれですか？
先生が貸し手であるため、この助詞の使い方が正しいです。
（私に / 傘を / 貸して / ください）
依頼の形として自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
To lend means providing something to someone with the expectation of its return.
- To let someone use your item temporarily.
- The item must be returned to the owner later.
- Commonly used for money, books, and equipment.
Focus on the direction of action
Remember that 'kasu' moves away from the subject, while 'kariru' moves towards them. Visualize the item leaving your hand to remember 'kasu'.
Don't confuse with borrowing
A common mistake is using 'kasu' when you actually want to borrow something. Always double-check if you are the giver or the receiver.
Social etiquette in lending
In Japan, lending money to friends is often considered sensitive. It is common to be very polite or hesitant when asking to borrow or offering to lend.
Examples
4 of 4友達に本を貸しました。
I lent a book to my friend.
会議室を貸していただけますか。
Could you please lend me the meeting room?
ペン、貸して。
Lend me a pen.
図書館は書籍を貸し出している。
The library lends out books.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
