Borrow Meaning in English
word
/ˈbɑˌɹoʊ/
BAH-roh
/bˈɒɹəʊ/
BO-roh
Definition
To take or use something that belongs to someone else, with permission and with the intention of giving it back later. It can also mean taking an idea, word, or style from another source.
Usage & Nuances
Use 'borrow' for taking something from someone temporarily; use 'lend' for giving it. Common patterns: 'borrow something from someone' and 'borrow money'. For language or ideas, it often means adopting rather than copying exactly.
Spanish: pedir prestado - tomar prestadoPortuguese (BR): pegar emprestadoPortuguese (PT): pedir emprestadoChinese (Simplified): 借Chinese (Traditional): 借Hindi: उधार लेनाArabic: يستعيرBengali: ধার নেওয়াRussian: заимствовать - брать взаймыJapanese: 借りるVietnamese: mượnKorean: 빌리다Turkish: ödünç almakUrdu: ادھار لیناIndonesian: meminjam
Example Sentences
Can I borrow your pen for a minute?
basic
She borrowed a book from the library.
basic
We need to borrow some chairs for the party.
basic
I had to borrow money from my sister until payday.
natural
English borrows words from many other languages.
natural
Do you mind if I borrow your charger for a bit?
natural