Meaning and Usage
The verb 払い戻す (はらいもどす) means "to refund" or "to pay back" money, typically used when returning money for goods or services that were canceled, defective, or otherwise unsatisfactory. It is a common term in commercial and customer service contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 払い戻す in situations involving ticket refunds (events, transportation), product returns, or cancellations. It implies returning money that was previously paid.
Collocations and Patterns
- 払い戻す + お金/代金: to refund money or payment
- 払い戻しは + 期間 + に限る: refund is limited to a certain period
- チケットを払い戻す: to refund a ticket
Register and Politeness
This verb is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in customer service announcements and conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 払い戻す with 返す (かえす), which means "to return" something physically. 払い戻す specifically refers to returning money, not objects.