The verb 'harau' covers both the act of paying money and the physical action of brushing something away.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To pay money for goods or services.
- To brush off dirt or dust.
- Commonly used in daily life.
概要
「はらう」は、主に二つの異なる意味を持つ動詞です。一つは「金銭を支払う」という意味で、買い物や料金の支払いなど日常的に非常によく使われます。もう一つは「汚れや障害物を取り除く」という意味で、箒で掃く、手でゴミを落とすといった動作を指します。
類語との比較
「支払う（しはらう）」は「はらう」の硬い表現であり、ビジネスや公的な文書で好まれます。「払拭（ふっしょく）する」は、抽象的な不安や疑いを取り除く際に使われる少し難しい表現です。「はらう」は、これらの中で最も一般的で広い用途を持つ言葉です。
Examples
レジでお金をはらう。
everydayPay money at the register.
洋服のほこりをはらう。
everydayBrush dust off my clothes.
注意をはらう必要がある。
academicIt is necessary to pay attention.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
犠牲をはらう
Make a sacrifice
気をはらう
Be careful
Often Confused With
This is a more formal version of 'harau', usually used in business contexts regarding payments.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'harau' for casual daily transactions and physical cleaning. Use 'shiharau' for banking, invoices, or professional settings. Note that 'harau' has a secondary abstract meaning related to focusing attention.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget that 'harau' is not only about money. Also, confusing it with 'shiharau' in formal situations can sound slightly too casual. Remember the spelling is 払う.
Tips
Context determines the meaning
If you are at a register, it means pay. If you see dust on your shoulder, it means brush off.
Distinguish from formal payment
In professional emails, use 'shiharau' instead of 'harau' to sound more polite and formal.
Purification rituals
The word is related to 'harae', a Shinto purification ritual where people are cleansed of impurities.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'harau' meaning to clear away. Historically linked to Shinto purification rituals (harae) meant to remove bad spirits or impurities.
Cultural Context
The word is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, appearing in 'harae' rituals where people are cleansed. This dual meaning of 'purification' and 'payment' reflects the concept of clearing one's obligations.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Harau' (hand) brushing away dust, or a 'Harau' (hand) handing over cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsどちらも「支払う」という意味ですが、「しはらう」の方がよりフォーマルで、ビジネスや契約の場に適しています。日常会話では「はらう」がよく使われます。
はい、正しいです。この場合は「取り除く」ではなく「心を向ける、意識を向ける」という意味で使われます。
「はらった」になります。支払った時や、汚れを落とした時に使います。
「払う」と書きます。文脈によって意味が変わりますが、漢字は同じです。
Test Yourself
レストランで食事の代金を___。
過去の出来事なので、過去形の「はらった」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
The verb 'harau' covers both the act of paying money and the physical action of brushing something away.
- To pay money for goods or services.
- To brush off dirt or dust.
- Commonly used in daily life.
Context determines the meaning
If you are at a register, it means pay. If you see dust on your shoulder, it means brush off.
Distinguish from formal payment
In professional emails, use 'shiharau' instead of 'harau' to sound more polite and formal.
Purification rituals
The word is related to 'harae', a Shinto purification ritual where people are cleansed of impurities.
Examples
3 of 3レジでお金をはらう。
Pay money at the register.
洋服のほこりをはらう。
Brush dust off my clothes.
注意をはらう必要がある。
It is necessary to pay attention.
