Translation guide
A person or entity that owes money or an obligation. In Japanese, the most common term is 債務者 (saimusha), but other words are used depending on context, such as 借り手 (karite) for borrowers and 負債者 (fusaisha) for those with liabilities.
A person or organization that owes a debt, typically in a formal or legal context.
Standard legal and financial term for 'debtor'. Used in contracts, court documents, and formal discussions.
債務者は期限内に返済しなければならない。
The debtor must repay within the deadline.
Literally 'borrower'. Emphasizes the act of borrowing, often used in lending contexts (loans, mortgages). Less formal than 債務者.
銀行は借り手の信用を審査する。
The bank assesses the creditworthiness of the borrower.
Refers to a person with liabilities or debts, often used in accounting or bankruptcy contexts. More technical.
負債者は資産を処分して返済に充てた。
The debtor disposed of assets to apply toward repayment.
A person who owes money in everyday situations, like borrowing from a friend.
Literally 'a person who has a debt/obligation'. Natural way to say someone owes money without legal jargon.
彼は私に借りがある人だ。
He is someone who owes me money.
Literally 'person who is borrowing money'. Clear and casual.
お金を借りている人から連絡がない。
I haven't heard from the person who owes me money.
Someone who owes a non-monetary debt, such as gratitude or a favor.
Literally 'person who received a favor/kindness'. Used when someone feels indebted emotionally.
私は彼に恩を受けた人だから、助けたい。
I am indebted to him, so I want to help.
Common expression meaning 'to be indebted' or 'to owe someone one'. Can be used for both money and favors.
彼には大きな借りがある。
I owe him a great deal.
債務者 is the standard legal term. 借り手 focuses on the act of borrowing and is common in banking. 負債者 is used in accounting for someone with liabilities. In casual speech, use phrases like 借りがある人.
Directly translating 'debtor' as デブター is not natural. Use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.