Borrowing and lending describe opposite sides of one exchange. Identify who gets temporary use of the item before choosing 借りる or 貸す.
Start from the subject’s role
私は友達に本を借りました means that I borrowed a book from a friend. 私は友達に本を貸しました means that I lent a book to a friend. The subject remains 私 and the particle remains に, but the verb changes which direction the book moves.
から can also mark the source of borrowing: 友達から借ります. This exercise accepts a specified verb rather than assuming that に always marks a receiver. Write the requested word only; a full alternative sentence may be natural but would answer a different typing task.
Remember the verb groups
借りる is an 一段 verb and gives 借りて. 貸す is 五段 and gives 貸して. Their similar meanings do not make their conjugations identical. Combine role practice with a request such as ペンを貸してください.
Examples to read before you practise
Japanese | Reading / English |
|---|---|
借りる | かりる — borrow |
貸す | かす — lend |
友達に本を借りました。 | I borrowed a book from a friend. |
友達に本を貸しました。 | I lent a book to a friend. |
ペンを貸してください。 | Please lend me a pen. |
図書館で本を借ります。 | I borrow books at the library. |
本を返します。 | I return a book. |
返す | かえす — return an item |
Try six questions
Use the interactive practice below. Type only the requested expression. Kanji and kana alternatives are accepted where listed in the answer key. Completing a question records a result; opening the answer key does not.
I borrowed: 私は本を（ ）。 Use polite past of 借りる.
I lent: 私は本を（ ）。 Use polite past of 貸す.
借りる → te form
貸す → te form
ペンを（ ）ください。 Ask someone to lend a pen.
Return a book: 本を（ ）。 Use polite non-past of 返す.
Answer key and explanations
借りました / かりました — The subject receives temporary use.
貸しました / かしました — The subject lets another person use the item.
借りて / かりて — Borrow is an 一段 verb.
貸して / かして — す becomes して.
貸して / かして — The requested action is lending.
返します / かえします — 返す means return the item.
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