owe
word
/ˈoʊ/
oh
/ˈəʊ/
oh
Definition
To have to pay or return something, especially money, to someone, or to feel you must give someone thanks or something in return.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used for money, but also for favors or gratitude ('I owe you one'). Common with 'owe money', 'owe an apology', 'owe my success to'. Never used for objects you just borrowed (use 'borrow/lend' instead).
Spanish: deberPortuguese (BR): deverPortuguese (PT): deverChinese (Simplified): 欠Chinese (Traditional): 欠Hindi: देना (कर्ज़ या एहसान)Arabic: يدين (مال/فضل)Bengali: ঋণী থাকা - দেনা থাকা - কৃতজ্ঞ থাকাRussian: быть должен - задолжатьJapanese: 借りがある - 恩があるVietnamese: nợ - mang ơnKorean: 빚지다 - 신세를 지다Turkish: borçlu olmak - minnettar olmakUrdu: مقروض ہونا - احسان مند ہوناIndonesian: berutang - berutang budi
Example Sentences
I owe you five dollars.
basic
Do I owe you anything?
basic
You still owe me a favor.
basic
I totally owe you for helping me move last Saturday.
natural
She feels she owes her success to her parents.
natural
You don't owe me an explanation.
natural