Meaning and Usage
"支払う" (しはらう) means "to pay" and is commonly used when referring to paying money for goods, services, bills, or debts. It is a standard verb used in both casual and formal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "支払う" in situations involving transactions such as paying rent, bills, shopping, or any monetary exchange. It can be used with various payment methods like cash, credit cards, or bank transfers.
Collocations and Patterns
- 支払う + 代金／料金／家賃: to pay a fee, charge, or rent
- 支払う + 銀行／レジ: indicating the place or method of payment
- クレジットカードで支払う: to pay by credit card
Register and Politeness
"支払う" is neutral and appropriate for everyday conversation and business settings. For more polite expressions, you might hear "お支払いする" or "お支払いになります".
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "支払う" with "払う" (はらう), which also means "to pay" but is more general and can mean "to brush off" or "to clear" in other contexts. "支払う" specifically emphasizes the act of payment involving money.