Repay by Meaning in English
expression
ɹiˈpeɪ/ /ˈbaɪ
ri-PAY BYE
ɹɪpˈeɪ/ /bˈaɪ
ri-PAY BYE
Definition
To give back what is owed or show gratitude using a specific method or action. It means not just paying money, but returning a favor, kindness, or debt in a particular way.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe the means of returning a favor, kindness, or debt ('repay by helping', 'repay by cooking dinner'). Usually more formal or written. Not typically used for direct cash repayment—'repay in cash' is more common in that context.
Spanish: pagar devolviendo - devolver (algo) mediantePortuguese (BR): retribuir com - pagar de volta por meio dePortuguese (PT): retribuir com - pagar de volta por meio deChinese (Simplified): 通过...偿还 - 以...方式报答Chinese (Traditional): 透過...償還 - 以...方式回報Hindi: के द्वारा चुकानाArabic: سدد من خلال - رد الجميل بـBengali: ফেরত দেওয়া - প্রতিদান দেওয়া (কোনোভাবে)Russian: отплатить - вернуть (чем-то)Japanese: 〜で返す - 〜で報いるVietnamese: đáp lại bằng - trả ơn bằngKorean: ~로 보답하다 - ~로 갚다Turkish: ile karşılık vermek - ile ödemekUrdu: کے ذریعے بدلہ چکانا - کے ذریعے احسان کا بدلہ دیناIndonesian: membalas dengan - membayar kembali dengan
Example Sentences
She wanted to repay by making him dinner.
basic
He will repay by helping you with your project.
basic
You can repay by being kind to others.
basic
They decided to repay by volunteering at the hospital.
natural
I can never repay by words what you did for me.
natural
Some people repay by passing good deeds forward instead.
natural