借ります

The Japanese verb 借ります (karimasu), or in its dictionary form 借りる (kariru), is a fundamental Group 2 (Ichidan) verb that primarily translates to 'to borrow' or 'to rent.' At its core, it signifies the act of receiving something from another person or entity with the explicit intention and obligation of returning it at a later time. Unlike English, where 'borrow' and 'rent' are often distinct based on whether money is exchanged, Japanese frequently uses 借ります for both, though context or specific nouns like 'rental' (レンタル) might clarify the transaction. In the Japanese linguistic worldview, borrowing is not just a physical transaction but a social one, often involving a degree of 'on' (social obligation) or 'giri' (duty). When you borrow something, you are entering into a temporary debt-state with the lender.

Grammatical Category

Verb, Ichidan (Group 2), Transitive

Politeness Level

Teineigo (Polite/Standard)

Kanji Breakdown

借 (Shaku/Kari): Consists of 'person' (亻) and 'substitute' (昔 - though historically 'ancient/old', here it functions phonetically or suggests a replacement). It implies a person using a substitute for their own lack.

The scope of 借ります extends beyond physical objects. It can be used for abstract concepts like 'borrowing a hand' (手をお借りする - meaning to ask for help) or 'borrowing wisdom' (知恵を借りる - meaning to seek advice). In Japanese culture, the act of borrowing is heavily regulated by politeness levels. While 借ります is the standard polite form, in humble contexts (Kenjougo), one would use 拝借します (haishaku shimasu) to show deep respect to the lender. Conversely, in casual settings, the dictionary form 借りる (kariru) or its 'te-form' 借りて (karite) is used. Understanding the weight of this verb is crucial for navigating Japanese social harmony (Wa), as failing to return a borrowed item or failing to use the correct level of politeness when asking can cause significant social friction.

Transitivity

It is a transitive verb (Tadoshi), meaning it requires a direct object marked by を (o).

Common Objects

Money (お金), Books (本), Umbrella (傘), Apartment (部屋), Wisdom (知恵).

In summary, 借ります is a versatile verb that covers the spectrum from borrowing a pencil to leasing a commercial property. Its usage reflects the Japanese emphasis on reciprocity and the temporary nature of possession. Whether you are at a library, a bank, or a friend's house, mastering this verb is essential for daily life in Japan.

Using 借ります correctly involves understanding its conjugation and the particles that support it. As an Ichidan verb, its stem is 借り (kari), making it relatively simple to conjugate compared to Godan verbs. To use it in a sentence, you typically follow the pattern: [Lender] に/から [Object] を 借ります. The choice between に (ni) and から (kara) is often stylistic, though から is frequently used when borrowing from institutions (like a bank or library) or when emphasizing the movement of the object from the source.

• Present Polite: 借ります (karimasu) - I borrow / I will borrow.
• Past Polite: 借りました (karimashita) - I borrowed.
• Negative Polite: 借りません (karimasen) - I do not borrow.
• Te-form: 借りて (karite) - Borrowing / Please borrow (when used with kudasai).

When you want to ask for permission to borrow something, the most common and natural phrase is 「〜を借りてもいいですか？」 (Object o karite mo ii desu ka?), which literally means 'Is it okay even if I borrow [object]?'. In more formal situations, you might use 「お借りしてもよろしいでしょうか？」 (Okari shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?). This humble construction uses the 'o + stem + suru' pattern, which is a hallmark of Keigo (honorific speech). It is important to note that 借ります is strictly for the person receiving the item. If you are the one giving the item temporarily, you must use 貸します (kashimasu).

The 'Borrowing' Nuance

In Japanese, 'renting' a house is 部屋を借りる (heya o kariru). Even though you pay money, the verb remains the same. This differs from English where 'borrow' usually implies no payment.

Potential Form

借りられる (karirareru) - To be able to borrow. Often shortened to 借りれる (karireru) in casual speech (ra-nuki kotoba).

Furthermore, 借ります can be used in the 'V-te morau' construction: 「〜を借りてもらう」, though this is less common than 「〜を貸してもらう」 (to have someone lend you something). In Japanese, it is often more natural to say 'I had my friend lend me a pen' (友達にペンを貸してもらった) than 'I borrowed a pen from my friend' (友達からペンを借りた), as the former emphasizes the favor received. This nuance is vital for sounding natural in Japanese conversation.

You will encounter 借ります in a wide variety of everyday scenarios in Japan. One of the most common places is the library (図書館). Librarians will use this word when explaining the borrowing process or checking out your books. You might hear: 「この本は二週間借りることができます」 (Kono hon wa nishuukan kariru koto ga dekimasu - You can borrow this book for two weeks). Similarly, in banks (銀行), the term is used in the context of loans (ローン) and mortgages (住宅ローン), though the more formal 借入 (kariire) might appear in documents.

In the workplace (職場), the verb is used frequently when asking for tools, office supplies, or even time. A common phrase is 「お手を拝借」 (O-te o haishaku), which is a formal way of asking for everyone's attention or help (literally 'borrowing hands'). In a more casual office setting, you might ask a colleague, 「ちょっとペンを借りてもいい？」 (Chotto pen o karite mo ii? - Can I borrow a pen for a second?). The verb is also prevalent in the real estate (不動産) industry. When looking for an apartment, you are 'borrowing' the room (部屋を借りる), and the contract you sign is a 'lease' or 'rental agreement'.

Public Transport

Bicycle rentals (レンタサイクル) are common in tourist areas. You will see signs saying '自転車を借りる' (Borrow a bicycle).

Social Media

Users often 'borrow' images or quotes, using the phrase '画像をお借りしました' (I borrowed the image) to credit the original creator.

In anime and drama, you'll often hear characters using this verb in emotional contexts, such as 'borrowing strength' (力を借りる) to defeat a foe or 'borrowing a shoulder' (肩を貸す/借りる) for support. The versatility of 借ります makes it a staple of Japanese dialogue, appearing in everything from high-stakes financial thrillers to slice-of-life school comedies. Pay attention to the level of politeness used; it often reveals the power dynamic between the characters.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing 借ります (karimasu - to borrow) with 貸します (kashimasu - to lend). In English, the two are distinct, but learners often mix them up because they describe the same transaction from different perspectives. Remember: I borrow (借ります) from you, and You lend (貸します) to me. If you say 「ペンを貸してください」 (Pen o kashite kudasai), you are asking someone to lend you a pen. If you say 「ペンを借ります」 (Pen o karimasu), you are stating that you will borrow it. Using the wrong one can lead to confusion about who is giving and who is receiving.

Another common error involves the particles に and から. While both can be used to indicate the lender, learners sometimes use を (o) for the person, which is incorrect. The person you borrow from is never the direct object. For example, 「田中さんを借ります」 would mean you are literally borrowing Mr. Tanaka himself (perhaps for a task), not borrowing something from him. To borrow an item from him, you must say 「田中さんに本を借ります」.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Rent'

Learners sometimes search for a separate word for 'renting' (like 'rento'). While 'rentaru' (rental) exists, 借ります is the standard verb for renting an apartment or a car.

Mistake: Politeness Levels

Using the plain form 'kariru' with a superior or a stranger is considered rude. Always use 'karimasu' or the humble 'okari shimasu' in formal settings.

Lastly, learners often forget to return what they borrowed! In Japanese culture, returning an item is just as important as the act of borrowing. When returning something, you should use the verb 返します (kaeshimasu). A common social mistake is borrowing something and then saying 'I'll give it back' using 'agemasu' (to give), which is incorrect. You must 'return' (kaesu) it. Mastering the cycle of 借りる (borrow) and 返す (return) is essential for cultural fluency.

While 借ります is the most common way to say 'borrow,' several other words have similar or overlapping meanings depending on the context and level of formality. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate word for the situation. The most important formal alternative is 拝借する (haishaku suru). This is a humble verb (Kenjougo) used when you are borrowing something from someone of higher status. It literally means 'to borrow with respect.' You will often hear this in business settings or formal letters.

借用する (shakuyou suru)

A formal, technical term often used in legal or official documents. For example, a 'promissory note' is a 借用書 (shakuyousho).

レンタルする (rentaru suru)

Used specifically for commercial rental services, like renting a DVD, a car, or formal wear. It implies a business transaction.

リースする (riisu suru)

Used for long-term business leases, such as office equipment or company cars.

Another related concept is 借金する (shakkin suru), which specifically means 'to borrow money' or 'to go into debt.' While you can say 'okane o kariru,' 'shakkin' carries a heavier nuance of financial debt. There is also 借り受ける (kariukeru), which is a more formal way of saying 'to receive on loan,' often used in official contexts or when receiving something on behalf of an organization.

Finally, don't forget the opposite: 貸す (kasu - to lend). While not a synonym, it is the other half of the 'borrowing' transaction. In Japanese, the relationship between 'kariru' and 'kasu' is often mediated by auxiliary verbs like 〜てくれる (te kureru) or 〜てもらう (te morau). For example, 'Tomodachi ga kashite kureta' (My friend lent it to me) is often preferred over 'Tomodachi kara karita' (I borrowed it from my friend) because it acknowledges the friend's kindness. Understanding these synonyms and related verbs will greatly enhance your expressive range in Japanese.