Quick answer
借 is the kanji for "to borrow". The most common reading is か.りる (kariru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to borrow
Also : to rent
Learn 借 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 借 represents 'BORROW'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of borrow.
On-reading: しゃく — remember this sound by associating it with borrow. Kun-reading: か.りる.
Example Sentences
友達からお金を借りました。
ともだちからおかねをかりました。
I borrowed money from a friend.
図書館で本を三冊借りました。
としょかんでほんをさんさつかりました。
I borrowed three books from the library.
Vocabulary using 借
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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