返す vs 返済する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 返す
Listen to 返済する
| 返す | 返済する |
|---|---|
kae-SU verb (godan, transitive) | へんさいする verb (godan, transitive) |
| to return (something) to someone; to give back; to repay (a favor) | to repay money or to make payments on a debt or loan |
How they differ
返済する specifically refers to repaying money or fulfilling a financial obligation, whereas 返す can mean returning money but also applies to physical objects and favors; 返済する is the correct term for loan repayment.
When to use each
When to use 返す: Prefer 返す when returning money casually to a person or when returning physical items or favors.
When to use 返済する: Prefer 返済する when discussing loans, installments, mortgages, or formal repayment schedules.
Side-by-side examples
- 友達に借りたお金を明日返す。
(I'll give the money I borrowed from my friend back tomorrow.) - 毎月ローンを返済するのが大変だ。
(It's tough to repay the loan every month.)
Register & nuance: 返済する is formal and technical, commonly used in financial contexts and official documents.