“To lend” in Japanese is 貸す (かす), pronounced kasu.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To lend. Learners often mix it up with 借りる: lending goes out, borrowing comes in.
Example sentences
- ペンを貸してください。ペンをかしてください。Could you lend me a pen?
- 友達にお金を貸しました。ともだちにおかねをかしました。I lent money to a friend.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 貸す. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 貸す かす | lend |
| Polite present | 貸します かします | lend |
| Polite negative | 貸しません かしません | don’t lend |
| Polite past | 貸しました かしました | past of “lend” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 貸さない かさない | don’t lend (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 貸した かした | past of “lend” (casual) |
| て-form | 貸して かして | lend and… / please lend (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 貸したい かしたい | want to lend |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to lend in Japanese?
To lend in Japanese is 貸す (かす), pronounced “kasu”.
How do you write to lend in Japanese?
It's written 貸す with kanji, or かす in hiragana. Both are read kasu.
Is 貸す on the JLPT?
Yes. 貸す (kasu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.