お金を返す
return money
Littéralement: money [object marker] return
Use this phrase whenever you are giving back money you borrowed from a person.
En 15 secondes
- Used for returning borrowed cash to individuals.
- Combines 'okane' (money) and 'kaesu' (to return).
- Essential for maintaining social trust in Japan.
Signification
This phrase literally means 'to return money' that you borrowed from a friend or colleague. It’s the standard way to say you're paying someone back after they covered your lunch or lent you some cash.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Paying back a friend for lunch
Kinō no ranchidai o kaesu ne.
I'm returning the lunch money from yesterday.
Formally returning a loan to a superior
Karita okane o okaeshi shimasu.
I am returning the money I borrowed.
Texting a friend about a debt
Ashita okane kaesu yo!
I'll pay you back tomorrow!
Contexte culturel
In Japan, there is a strong social pressure to settle debts quickly, even small ones. Carrying a debt, even just the price of a coffee, is often seen as a burden on the relationship. It's common to pay someone back the very next time you see them to show respect.
The 'Ne' Factor
Adding `ne` at the end of `kaesu` makes you sound much softer and less like you're performing a cold transaction.
Don't say it at the Register
If you say `okane o kaesu` to a cashier, they will think you are trying to give them money back that they accidentally gave you!
En 15 secondes
- Used for returning borrowed cash to individuals.
- Combines 'okane' (money) and 'kaesu' (to return).
- Essential for maintaining social trust in Japan.
What It Means
It simply means giving back money you borrowed. It covers everything from small change to large loans. You are restoring the social balance between you and another person. It is a fundamental phrase for maintaining trust.
How To Use It
The structure is very straightforward. You take okane (money) and add kaesu (to return). Use the particle o to link them together. If you're talking to a friend, use kaesu. For a boss, use kaeshimasu. It’s like a verbal receipt of your honesty.
When To Use It
Use it when you finally pay for that ramen. Or when you return the train fare a friend covered. It’s perfect for those "I'll get you back later" moments. Use it the moment you hand over the bills. It makes the transaction clear and polite.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it when paying for a meal at a restaurant. That action is harau (to pay). Also, don't use it for getting a refund from a store. That is usually called henkin. If you're paying a utility bill, stick to harau. This phrase is strictly for returning what was borrowed from a person.
Cultural Background
Japan is a culture that values social obligation. Returning money promptly shows you are a reliable person. Even 100 yen matters in a friendship. People often carry small coin purses just for this. It keeps the social gears turning smoothly. Don't be surprised if a friend refuses interest; just return the exact amount.
Common Variations
You might hear kaeshite when someone wants their money back. Okaeshi suru is the extra polite version for seniors. If you want to be cool, just say kaesu ne. Adding ne makes it sound much softer. It’s a small word with a big impact.
Notes d'usage
The formality depends entirely on the verb ending. Use `kaesu` for friends and `kaeshimasu` for everyone else to stay safe.
The 'Ne' Factor
Adding `ne` at the end of `kaesu` makes you sound much softer and less like you're performing a cold transaction.
Don't say it at the Register
If you say `okane o kaesu` to a cashier, they will think you are trying to give them money back that they accidentally gave you!
Envelope Etiquette
If returning a large sum or a formal loan, it's polite to put the cash in a clean envelope rather than handing it over bare.
Exemples
6Kinō no ranchidai o kaesu ne.
I'm returning the lunch money from yesterday.
The 'ne' at the end makes it friendly and casual.
Karita okane o okaeshi shimasu.
I am returning the money I borrowed.
Using 'okaeshi shimasu' is very polite and humble.
Ashita okane kaesu yo!
I'll pay you back tomorrow!
Dropping the 'o' particle is common in casual texting.
Hai, 10-en dake kaesu yo.
Here, I'm returning just 10 yen.
Using 'dake' (only) highlights the small amount for humor.
Zutto kaesetanakute gomen.
I'm sorry I couldn't return it for so long.
Uses the potential negative form 'kaesetanakute'.
Keihi o kaeshite kudasai.
Please return the expense money.
A standard professional request using 'kudasai'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to tell your friend you will return the money.
Ashita okane o ___ ne.
`Kaesu` means to return, which fits the context of money.
Make the phrase polite for your boss.
Okane o ___.
`Kaeshimasu` is the polite form of `kaesu` suitable for formal situations.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Returning Money
Used with close friends or family.
Okane kaesu ne.
Standard polite Japanese.
Okane o kaeshimasu.
Used with superiors or in business.
Okaeshi shimasu.
Where to use 'Okane o kaesu'
After Lunch
Paying back a colleague.
Train Station
Returning a borrowed fare.
At Home
Giving back money to a sibling.
Office
Settling a small office debt.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsKaesu is for returning borrowed money, while harau is for paying for goods or services like at a shop.
Technically yes, but for loans, people often use henryai or kaesu in a more specific banking context.
It can be very direct. It's better to say something like Ano, kinō no... (Um, about yesterday...) to drop a hint first.
You can say Ato de kaesu ne which literally means 'I will return it later.'
No, if the context is clear, you can just say kaesu ne (I'll return [it]).
For a refund from a store, use the word henkin. Okane o kaesu sounds like a personal debt.
The core phrase is standard, but in Osaka, you might hear kaesu wa instead of kaesu yo.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in Japan to return the exact amount down to the single yen coin.
Say Kaesu no o wasurete ita which means 'I had forgotten to return it.'
In textbooks and formal speech, use o. In casual conversation, it is almost always dropped: Okane kaesu ne.
Expressions liées
お金を払う
To pay money (for a purchase)
お金を借りる
To borrow money
お釣りを返す
To give back change
返金する
To refund money
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