Translation guide
The English verb "lend" means to give something to someone temporarily, expecting it to be returned. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 貸す (kasu), but the appropriate expression depends on what is being lent (objects, money, assistance) and the social context. This guide covers natural ways to express lending in various situations.
To give someone a tangible item for temporary use, with the expectation of its return.
The standard verb for lending objects. It can be used in casual and polite contexts. The person you lend to is marked with に.
I lent a pen to my friend.
傘を貸してもらえますか？
Could you lend me an umbrella?
Literally 'I'll lend it to you (as a favor)'. This is a common way to offer to lend something, but can sound patronizing if used inappropriately. Use with close friends or when the favor is clear.
Avoid using あげる with superiors; use 貸します or お貸しします instead.
この本、読みたいなら貸してあげるよ。
If you want to read this book, I'll lend it to you.
Humble form (謙譲語) used when lending to someone of higher status. It shows respect to the recipient.
傘をお貸ししましょうか？
Shall I lend you an umbrella? (polite)
To provide money to someone with the expectation of repayment.
Also used for lending money. Often combined with お金 (money).
彼にお金を貸した。
I lent him money.
Formal term for lending money, typically used in business or banking contexts.
銀行がその会社に融資した。
The bank lent money to the company.
To provide help, support, or one's abilities to someone.
Literally 'lend a hand'. A common idiom for offering physical help or assistance.
ちょっと手を貸してくれない？
Can you lend me a hand?
Literally 'lend strength'. Used when asking someone to use their influence, effort, or ability to help achieve something.
Literally 'lend an ear'. Means to listen to someone, often used when someone wants to talk about a problem.
To add a certain quality or feeling to something (e.g., lend credibility, lend charm).
A general pattern meaning 'to give X to Y'. Often used when 'lend' is metaphorical. The specific quality is placed before を.
その絵は部屋に温かみを与えている。
The painting lends warmth to the room.
Literally 'to add/attach'. Used for lending a subtle quality or accent.
彼の言葉が式に厳粛さを添えた。
His words lent solemnity to the ceremony.
English 'lend' and 'borrow' are often mixed up by learners. In Japanese, 貸す means to lend (give out), and 借りる means to borrow (take in). The subject and particles differ: 私が友達に本を貸す (I lend a book to a friend) vs. 私が友達に/から本を借りる (I borrow a book from a friend).
When asking someone to lend you something, use 貸してくれる? (casual) or 貸していただけますか? (polite). Avoid direct 貸す? which can sound blunt.
このプロジェクトに力を貸してください。
Please lend your support to this project.
悩みがあるなら耳を貸すよ。
If you have worries, I'll lend an ear.