借りる vs 借用する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 借りる
Listen to 借用する
| 借りる | 借用する |
|---|---|
ka-RI-ru verb (ru-verb, transitive) | しゃくようする verb (ru-verb, transitive) |
| to borrow; to take and use something temporarily from someone else | to borrow or make use of something, often in a formal, written, or institutional context |
How they differ
借用する is more formal and often used in written, technical, or administrative contexts (e.g., equipment, space, or the concept of borrowing words), while 借りる is the everyday casual verb; 借用する can also imply an arranged or documented temporary use.
When to use each
When to use 借りる: Prefer 借りる for simple, spoken descriptions of borrowing in daily life.
When to use 借用する: Choose 借用する in formal writing, technical contexts, or when describing institutional/official borrowing (e.g., equipment, terminology).
Side-by-side examples
- 週末、父の車を借りる予定だ。
(I'm planning to borrow my father's car this weekend.) - プロジェクトのためにその特殊機器を一時的に借用した。
(We temporarily borrowed that specialized equipment for the project.)
Register & nuance: 借用する is formal/written and commonly appears in business, academic, or technical contexts rather than casual conversation.