지불하다 vs 납부하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 지불하다
Listen to 납부하다
| 지불하다 | 납부하다 |
|---|---|
ji-BUL-ha-da verb | nap-bu-ha-da verb |
| to pay (money); to make a payment | to pay an obligatory fee or tax; to remit (dues, taxes, fines) |
How they differ
납부하다 is used specifically for mandatory or statutory payments—taxes, fees, utility bills, fines—emphasizing obligation or official requirement; 지불하다 is broader and fits voluntary or transactional payments as well.
When to use each
When to use 지불하다: Prefer 지불하다 for general payments, purchases, or when the payment is not primarily a legal/administrative obligation.
When to use 납부하다: Prefer 납부하다 when talking about paying taxes, fees, penalties, or other payments that are legally or contractually required.
Side-by-side examples
- 온라인으로 상품 대금을 지불했습니다.
(I paid for the product online.) - 다음 달까지 자동차세를 납부해야 합니다.
(You must pay the car tax by next month.)
Register & nuance: 납부하다 is formal/official and commonly found in administrative notices and legal contexts; 지불하다 is more general and neutral.