借

JLPT N4

Borrow

Readings

On’yomi: シャク (shaku)

Kun’yomi: か(りる) (ka(riru))

• か・りる (kariru) – to borrow, to rent

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

借りる

かりる

borrow

借金

しゃっきん

debt

借家

しゃくや

rented house

借用

しゃくよう

borrowing

借地

しゃくち

leased land

Example Sentences

本を借ります。

ほんをかります。

I borrow a book.

借金があります。

しゃっきんがあります。

I have debt.

借家に住みます。

しゃくやにすみます。

I live in a rented house.

借用書です。

しゃくようしょです。

It is a borrowing document.

借地です。

しゃくちです。

It is leased land.

Cultural Note

💡 In Japan, borrowing and lending (借りる・貸す) reflect social trust and obligation.
• People often say:
「お世話を借ります」(I’m in your care) — as a humble phrase.
• Property rentals use the words 借家 (rented house) and 賃貸 (rental).
• In literature, 借りる can also mean to rely on someone’s kindness or power metaphorically.