Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'repayment' depends on what is being repaid: money, a favor, a debt, or an obligation. The most common and versatile term is 返済 (hensai), used primarily for financial repayment. For returning favors or kindness, 恩返し (ongaeshi) is key. This guide covers the main Japanese expressions for different types of repayment, from formal financial contexts to everyday gratitude.
Repaying borrowed money, a loan, or a financial debt.
The standard term for repaying a loan or debt. Used in both formal and everyday contexts. Often used with する to form a verb.
ローンの返済が大変です。
Repaying the loan is tough.
借金を返済する。
Repay a debt.
Refers specifically to returning money, often in the context of refunds or reimbursements. Not used for repaying loans.
商品を返品して返金してもらった。
I returned the product and got a refund.
Formal term for redemption or repayment, used in financial contexts like bond redemption or mortgage payoff.
国債の償還期限が近づいている。
The redemption date for the government bonds is approaching.
Returning a favor, repaying someone's kindness or help.
The act of repaying a favor or kindness. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Can be used as a noun or with する.
いつか恩返しがしたいです。
I want to repay your kindness someday.
親に恩返しする。
Repay one's parents (for their kindness).
Literally 'return a borrowing', used figuratively to mean repaying a favor or debt of gratitude. Slightly casual.
A more formal or literary way to say 'repay a kindness'. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
ご恩に報いるために努力します。
I will work hard to repay your kindness.
Repaying a moral or social debt, or making up for a wrongdoing.
Repayment, retaliation, or reciprocation. Can be used for both positive and negative contexts, but less common in daily speech.
彼の親切に返報する。
Repay his kindness.
To atone for a crime or sin; to make amends. Used when repaying a moral debt through actions.
彼は罪を償うために社会奉仕をした。
He did community service to atone for his crime.
Repaying an investment, effort, or trust with results or returns.
返済 (hensai) is used for scheduled repayments like loans or debts. 返金 (henkin) is for returning money in transactions, such as refunds. Do not use 返金 for loan repayments.
ローンの返済 (○) / ローンの返金 (✕)
Loan repayment (correct) / Loan refund (incorrect)
In English, 'repay a visit' means to visit someone in return. In Japanese, this is not expressed with 返済 or 返金. Use お返しに訪ねる (otaずねる) or simply また来る (またくる) depending on context.
I have to repay him for what he did.