Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bill" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bill", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
勘定
かんじょう (kanjou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
法案
ほうあん (hōan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bill" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 勘定 and 法案.
In Japanese, 勘定 (かんじょう (kanjou)) is typically associated with "bill, check (at a restaurant), calculation, account" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Primarily used when asking for the bill at a restaurant or store. Can also refer to the act of counting or calculating money. 「お勘定をお願いします」is a common phrase..
On the other hand, 法案 (ほうあん (hōan)) maps to "bill (e.g., in parliament), legislative bill" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A draft law presented to a legislature. A literal translation of "bill" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "勘定"
食事が終わったら、店員に勘定をお願いした。
After finishing the meal, I asked the staff for the bill.
Bilingual Context for "法案"
新しい税制に関する法案が国会に提出された。
A bill concerning the new tax system was submitted to the Diet.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "食事が終わったら、店員に ＿＿＿ をお願いした。" (Meaning: "After finishing the meal, I asked the staff for the bill.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "勘定" fits here because it means "bill, check (at a restaurant), calculation, account" in the context of: "After finishing the meal, I asked the staff for the bill.". "法案" represents "bill (e.g., in parliament), legislative bill".