Payment is the fundamental act of transferring money to fulfill a financial obligation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The act of giving money to settle a debt.
- Used for both daily shopping and business transactions.
- Often combined with other words like payment methods.
Overview
- 1概要：「支払（しはらい）」は、債務を履行するために金銭を相手に渡すことを指す名詞です。動詞の「支払う」から派生した言葉で、日常生活における買い物から、ビジネス上の取引、公的な料金の納付まで、非常に幅広い文脈で使用されます。
- 1使用パターン：名詞として使う場合は「支払がある」「支払を済ませる」のように助詞を伴います。また、他の名詞と組み合わせて「クレジットカード支払」「前払い」「未払い」といった複合語を形成する際にも多用されます。
- 1一般的な文脈：最も一般的なのは、店舗での会計や請求書に基づく振込です。ビジネスでは「支払条件」「支払期限」といった専門的な言い回しとして定着しており、信頼関係を維持するための重要な手続きを意味します。
- 1類語との比較：「決済」は主に金融やITの文脈で使われ、取引を完了させるというニュアンスが強いです。「納付」は税金や公的な料金を支払う際に使われる硬い表現です。「支払」はそれらに比べ、最も一般的で汎用性の高い表現と言えます。
Examples
支払は現金でお願いします。
everydayPlease pay by cash.
支払条件を確認してください。
formalPlease check the payment terms.
支払が遅れてごめん。
informalSorry for the late payment.
支払の義務が生じる。
academicThe obligation of payment arises.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
支払が完了する
Payment is completed
支払を待つ
Wait for payment
支払を催促する
To urge payment
Often Confused With
Settlement or transaction processing. It is more technical and often refers to the completion of a financial transaction.
Payment of taxes or public charges. It is specifically used for government-related money transfers.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral but leans formal when used as a noun. In casual speech, '支払い' (with okurigana) is preferred. In business writing, '支払' (without okurigana) is the standard professional form.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '支払' as a verb without adding 'う'. Remember that the noun form is '支払' but the verb is '支払う'. Also, do not confuse it with '給料' (salary), which is the money received, not paid.
Tips
Use kanji for business documents
In formal business writing, omitting the okurigana 'i' (writing '支払' instead of '支払い') is standard practice. It looks more professional in headings or tables.
Watch the pronunciation
Ensure you pronounce it as 'shiharai'. Beginners sometimes confuse the conjugation of the verb, so remember that the stem is 'shiharai-'.
Cash payment culture in Japan
While digital payments are rising, Japan still has many 'cash only' venues. Knowing how to ask about payment methods is essential for travel.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'shiharau', which combines 'shi' (to do) and 'harau' (to sweep away/pay). Historically, it meant clearing away a debt.
Cultural Context
Payment in Japan is highly organized. Deadlines are strictly observed, and late payments can impact your credit reputation significantly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Shi-harai' as 'Shi' (four) 'harai' (to pay away). Imagine paying four bills at once to remember the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsどちらも正しいです。送り仮名を付ける「支払い」の方が一般的で柔らかい印象を与えますが、ビジネス文書や名詞の組み合わせでは「支払」と書くのが慣例です。
「支払」は金銭を渡す行為そのものを指しますが、「決済」は取引を完了させる手続きやシステムを指すことが多いです。クレジットカード決済のように、手段を強調する場合によく使われます。
「支払う（しはらう）」という動詞になります。例えば「代金を支払う」のように使用します。
はい、前払いは「前もって支払うこと」を指すため、支払いの形態の一つです。同様に後払いや分割払いも支払いのバリエーションです。
Test Yourself
来月までに電気料金の___を済ませる必要があります。
公共料金の支払いは一般的に「支払」や「納付」が使われますが、文脈上「支払」が最も自然です。
クレジットカードで___します。
文中で動詞として使う場合は「支払う」という形が必要です。
（支払 / が / 期限 / 近い / ）
「支払期限」という名詞の塊が主語になります。
Score: /3
Summary
Payment is the fundamental act of transferring money to fulfill a financial obligation.
- The act of giving money to settle a debt.
- Used for both daily shopping and business transactions.
- Often combined with other words like payment methods.
Use kanji for business documents
In formal business writing, omitting the okurigana 'i' (writing '支払' instead of '支払い') is standard practice. It looks more professional in headings or tables.
Watch the pronunciation
Ensure you pronounce it as 'shiharai'. Beginners sometimes confuse the conjugation of the verb, so remember that the stem is 'shiharai-'.
Cash payment culture in Japan
While digital payments are rising, Japan still has many 'cash only' venues. Knowing how to ask about payment methods is essential for travel.
Examples
4 of 4支払は現金でお願いします。
Please pay by cash.
支払条件を確認してください。
Please check the payment terms.
支払が遅れてごめん。
Sorry for the late payment.
支払の義務が生じる。
The obligation of payment arises.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
