Translation guide
The English phrase "be paid" can refer to receiving money for work, receiving a salary, or having expenses covered. In Japanese, the expression depends on who is paying, the context, and the level of formality.
To receive money regularly for work, such as a salary or wages.
A common and natural way to say 'receive a salary'. 給料 means salary or wages, and もらう means to receive.
私は毎月25日に給料をもらいます。
I get paid on the 25th of every month.
A more formal or written way to say 'salary is paid'. 支払われる is the passive form of 支払う (to pay).
給料は月末に支払われます。
Salaries are paid at the end of the month.
Means 'to receive'. Can be used with 給料 (salary) or お金 (money).
先月の給料を受け取りました。
I received last month's salary.
To receive money for completing a particular task, freelance work, or a one-time job.
報酬 means remuneration or compensation. This is natural for freelance or contract work.
その仕事の報酬をもらいました。
I got paid for that job.
Literally 'receive payment'. Slightly formal, used in business contexts.
クライアントから支払いを受けました。
I received payment from the client.
Simple and casual way to say 'receive money'. Can be used in many situations.
手伝ってくれたらお金をあげるよ。
If you help me, I'll pay you.
To have costs such as travel, meals, or materials paid for by someone else, often an employer.
Used when expenses are provided or reimbursed, typically in a business setting. 経費 means expenses, 支給される means to be provided/supplied.
交通費は会社から支給されます。
Transportation expenses are paid by the company.
Means 'to have someone cover the cost'. 費用 means cost/expense, 持つ here means to bear/pay.
出張の費用は会社に持ってもらいます。
The company pays for my business trip expenses.
Specifically means 'to receive a refund/reimbursement'. Used when you paid first and get money back.
医療費の払い戻しを受けました。
I got reimbursed for medical expenses.
To describe the state of being employed and receiving payment, as opposed to volunteering.
Means 'to work for pay'. 有給 means paid (as opposed to unpaid).
彼は有給で働いています。
He is a paid worker.
Literally 'work while receiving a salary'. Natural way to emphasize you are paid for your work.
私は給料をもらって働いています。
I work for a salary.
Directly translating 'be paid' as 支払われる (passive of 支払う) can sound unnatural in casual conversation. It is more common to use もらう (receive) or describe the action from the perspective of the person paying, depending on context.
In many cases, 'be paid' is naturally expressed with もらう (to receive) plus the appropriate noun (給料, お金, 報酬). This is more natural than passive constructions.
まだ給料をもらっていません。
I haven't been paid yet.