Meaning and Usage
The verb 借りる (かりる) means "to borrow" or "to rent" something from someone else. It implies receiving something temporarily with the intention of returning it later. It can be used for tangible items like books, money, or cars.
Common Contexts
- Borrowing from friends or family: 友達から本を借りる (borrow a book from a friend).
- Borrowing money from financial institutions: 銀行からお金を借りる.
- Renting vehicles or equipment: 車を借りる (rent a car).
Collocations and Patterns
- 〜から借りる: indicates the source from whom you borrow.
- お金を借りる: to borrow money, often implies a loan.
- 物を借りる: to borrow things.
Register and Politeness
借りる is a neutral verb used in everyday conversation. For polite speech, use the ます-form 借ります.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 借りる (to borrow) with 貸す (かす, to lend). Remember: 借りる is from the borrower's perspective (receiving), 貸す is from the lender's perspective (giving).