Meaning and Usage
"支払" (しはらい) means "payment" or "the act of paying money." It is a noun commonly used in everyday situations involving money transactions, such as paying bills, rent, or fees.
Common Contexts
You will often see "支払" in formal or business contexts, such as contracts, invoices, or receipts. It is neutral in politeness and can be combined with other words to specify the type or method of payment.
Collocations and Patterns
- 支払方法 (しはらいほうほう): payment method — used when specifying how to pay (cash, card, etc.)
- 支払期限 (しはらいきげん): payment deadline — the due date for payment
- 支払う (しはらう): verb form meaning "to pay" — often used in conversation
Usage Tips
When using "支払," remember it is a noun, so to express the action "to pay," use the verb "支払う." Also, "支払" often appears in compound words related to payments. Avoid confusing it with "支出" (ししゅつ), which means "expenditure" or "expenses," as "支払" focuses on the act of paying rather than the broader concept of spending.
Register
"支払" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written or business Japanese than casual speech.