借金をする

You use this phrase when you are the one receiving the money. It’s a simple noun-plus-verb construction. You can use it in the past tense 借金をした to say you already borrowed it. If you want to be polite, use 借金をします. It’s very versatile! You can use it for bank loans, credit cards, or even borrowing from family. Just remember, it carries the weight of responsibility.

Use this when discussing finances or serious life choices. If you are applying for a mortgage, you are technically doing 借金. If a character in a drama is in trouble with a loan shark, they definitely did 借金. It’s perfect for business meetings or talking to a financial advisor. You might also use it when joking with friends about your shopping habits. 'I bought too many clothes, now I need to 借金をする!'

Don't use this for tiny, casual things. If you forgot your wallet and need 100 yen for a soda, don't use 借金. In that case, just use the verb 借りる (kariru). Using 借金 for a tiny amount sounds overly dramatic. It’s like saying 'I am entering into a financial contract' for a piece of gum. Also, avoid it in very high-level legal documents where 融資を受ける (receiving financing) is preferred.

In Japan, there is a traditional stigma attached to 借金. Many people were raised to believe that debt is something to be avoided at all costs. This is why you might see people apologize profusely when borrowing even small amounts. However, modern Japan relies heavily on credit, just like everywhere else. Still, the word 借金 can feel a bit 'heavy' or 'dark' compared to the English word 'loan.' It often appears in stories about gambling or business failure.

You will often hear 借金がある (shakkin ga aru), which means 'to have debt.' If someone is struggling to pay it back, they might say 借金に追われる (shakkin ni owareru), meaning 'to be chased by debt.' If you finally pay it off, you say 借金を返す (shakkin o kaesu). These variations help you describe the whole lifecycle of a loan. It’s a useful set of words for any adult conversation.