In Hebrew there is a difference, although often overlooked in spoken Hebrew, between the word "to borrow" for something that is intended to be returned "as is" such as a tool or a vehicle, and the word "to borrow" for something that will not be returned, but an equivalent replacement such as money (the money returned will probably not be the very same coins or bills but different ones carrying the same value).
To my understanding, "borrow" and "lend" don't have that difference in meaning.
Is there any English equivalent?
Learn English – Two kinds of “borrow”
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Best Answer
This is an excellent question. But, I do not believe that English has a sense of a difference between the two concepts.
Borrow and lend are opposite sides of the same equation. To lend is to allow someone to borrow. To borrow is to take someone else's loan.
I think you will have a greater peace with the idea if you think of borrowing money (or other valuable commodity) as being a loan of the fiat value of the money, and not the cash itself. Hence, you are returning the same item.