払う vs 支払う
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 払う
Listen to 支払う
| 払う | 支払う |
|---|---|
ha-RA-u verb (transitive, Godan) | しはらう verb (transitive, Godan) |
| to pay; to brush off or sweep away | to pay (money); to make a payment |
How they differ
支払う is restricted to monetary transactions and emphasizes the act of settling a bill or debt; 払う can mean to pay money but also has non-monetary senses (e.g., to brush off, to dispel).
When to use each
When to use 払う: Prefer 払う when speaking casually or when you mean a non-monetary action (e.g., brushing off dust or figuratively dispelling something).
When to use 支払う: Prefer 支払う when you specifically mean making a payment, especially in formal, legal, or written contexts (bills, rent, invoices).
Side-by-side examples
- 手で顔の汗を払った。
(I brushed the sweat off my face with my hand.) - 家賃を銀行で支払った。
(I paid the rent at the bank.)
Register & nuance: 支払う is more specific and often seen in formal/written or financial contexts; 払う is more general and common in everyday speech.