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
議案
ぎあん (gian)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bill" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 勘定 and 議案.
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, 議案 (ぎあん (gian)) maps to "bill, measure, agenda item (for a meeting/assembly)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A general term for a proposal or matter to be discussed and decided at a meeting or assembly. It is broader than 法案 and includes any item on an agenda. 会議などで審議・決定されるべき議題や提案。. 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 "議案"
次の会議の議案を確認してください。
Please check the agenda items for the next meeting.
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.". "議案" represents "bill, measure, agenda item (for a meeting/assembly)".