Japanese Conversation · Level 116
60 words
Japanese word
貸し
Pronunciation
Romajikashi
Meaning
- nounfavor
Example
彼には一つ貸しがあります。kare ni wa hito tsu ka shi ga a ri ma su
He owes me a favor.
More examples
彼は以前の貸しを、別の形で返してくれました。kare wa i zen no ka shi o betsu no katachi de kae shi te ku re ma shi ta
He returned the favor in a different way.
Core concept
Describes a helpful act that leaves the other person expected to return the kindness later.
Common phrases
貸しを作るka shi o tsuku ru
do someone a favor
大きな貸しō ki na ka shi
a big favor
貸しを返すka shi o kae su
return a favor
Similar words
恩on: A kindness or service received from someone and remembered with gratitude.
恩義ongi: A moral obligation to repay help or kindness received from another person.
借りkari: A favor received from someone that creates an obligation to return the kindness.
Definition in Japanese
相手のために何かをして、後で返してもらえる恩。ai te no ta me ni nan ka o shi te ato de kae shi te mo ra e ru on
Word origin
貸し (kashi) is the noun form of 貸す (kasu, "to lend"), extending the idea of giving something for later return to a favor that creates an obligation.
Usage tips
- In casual Japanese, 貸しがある (kashi ga aru) means that someone owes a favor, while 借りがある (kari ga aru) means that the speaker owes one.