Nihongo Master Nihongo Master
Pricing Dictionary Blog

Meaning of 払う(はらう) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

払う
JLPT 4
Kana Reading
はらう
Romaji
harau
Word Senses
  • Parts of speech
    Godan verb with `u` ending, transitive verb
    Meaning
    to pay (e.g. money, a bill, one's taxes, etc.)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    to brush; to wipe; to clear away; to dust off; to prune away branches
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    to drive away (e.g. one's competitors); to sweep out

Example Sentences

払う, はらう used in context

Verb Conjugations

Common conjugated forms

Non-Past

Plain
払う
Plain Polite
払います
Negative
払わない
Negative Polite
払いません

Past

Plain
払った
Plain Polite
払いました
Negative
払わなかった
Negative Polite
払いませんでした

Te

Plain
払って
Plain Polite
払いまして
Negative
--
Negative Polite
--

Passive

Plain
払われる
Plain Polite
払われます
Negative
払われない
Negative Polite
払われません

Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

JLPT 3

pay, clear out, prune, banish, dispose of

On: フツ, ヒツ, ホツ

Kun: はら.う, -はら.い, -ばら.い

5 strokes

Learn more

Go beyond looking it up

Turn every word you look up into a word you actually know

You found the word. Now make it stick. Nihongo Master connects the dictionary directly to your personal study system so one click is all it takes.

  • Save to personal study lists
  • Drill with spaced repetition until it sticks
  • Print handwriting practice sheets
  • Test yourself with skill quizzes
  • Track progress across every word you study
Start Free 7-Day Trial

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

Earn with Nihongo Master

Love Japanese? Share it and get paid.

Join the Nihongo Master affiliate program. Share your link and earn 30% on every payment your referrals make, for as long as they stay subscribed.

  • 30% lifetime recurring commission
  • 60-day referral cookie
  • No approval needed — start right away
  • Monthly payouts via PayPal
Learn More About the Program