“To borrow” in Japanese is 借りる (かりる), pronounced kariru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To borrow. Its partner is 貸す (to lend). The lender takes に or から.
Example sentences
- 本を借りてもいいですか。ほんをかりてもいいですか。May I borrow the book?
- 図書館で本を借りました。としょかんでほんをかりました。I borrowed a book from the library.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 借りる. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 借りる かりる | borrow |
| Polite present | 借ります かります | borrow |
| Polite negative | 借りません かりません | don’t borrow |
| Polite past | 借りました かりました | past of “borrow” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 借りない かりない | don’t borrow (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 借りた かりた | past of “borrow” (casual) |
| て-form | 借りて かりて | borrow and… / please borrow (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 借りたい かりたい | want to borrow |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to borrow in Japanese?
To borrow in Japanese is 借りる (かりる), pronounced “kariru”.
How do you write to borrow in Japanese?
It's written 借りる with kanji, or かりる in hiragana. Both are read kariru.
Is 借りる on the JLPT?
Yes. 借りる (kariru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.