借り

• Reading: かり
• Romaji: kari
• Kanji breakdown: 借 (ka/shaku) — borrow, rent
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɾi/

Meaning

Borrowing; debt; loan; obligation. Something owed to another person.

A noun derived from the verb 借りる (to borrow). Often used in the expression 借りがある (to owe a debt/favor) and 借りを返す (to repay a debt/favor). Can refer to both financial debts and figurative obligations or favors owed.

Examples

1. 友達に借りがあるから今度おごるよ。 I owe my friend one, so I'll treat them next time.
2. いつかこの借りは返すつもりだ。 I plan to repay this debt someday.
3. 人に借りを作りたくない性格です。 I'm the kind of person who doesn't like owing anyone.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, finance, obligations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 借りる (kariru, to borrow). The kanji 借 combines 亻 (person radical) and 昔 (past/long ago), suggesting a person's past obligation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal