HOME > WordMaster® > OWE | 借りがある

For Life
2006.11.09

Have you ever heard of an IOU? Those initials stand for “I Owe You”. An IOU is a signed piece of paper promising to pay back money someone has lent you. Today we look more closely at the “O” in IOU!

Today's Lesson
OWE   借りがある

Explanation

  • To owe someone money (or something else) is to have a responsibility to give it to them, usually because they have given you something or done something for you.
  • owe とは、たいてい、誰かが何かをくれたり、何かしてくれたりしたために、その人にお金（あるいは、その他のもの）を返す義務がある、という意味です。

examples

  1. (Gary tries to hand Evan 1000 yen)
    EVAN: What's that for?
    GARY: I owe you 1000 yen for lunch yesterday.
    EVAN: No, it was my treat.
  2. (a customer to a pizza delivery man)
    a: How much do I owe you?
    b: $17.50.
  3. Let's go to the pub. I owe you a beer.
  4. a: Do you think I could borrow your car this weekend?
    b: Sure. I still owe you a favor for helping me move last month.

英会話レッスンSee you tomorrow!