Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Discount" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "discount", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
割引
わりびき (waribiki)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
割り引く
わりびく (waribiku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "discount" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 割引 and 割り引く.
In Japanese, 割引 (わりびき (waribiki)) is typically associated with "discount" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A reduction in price. Can be used as a noun or with する.
On the other hand, 割り引く (わりびく (waribiku)) maps to "to discount, to deduct, to make a reduction" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 元の価格から一部を減額すること。比喩的には、人の意見や評価などを額面通りに受け取らず、多少控えめに評価するという意味でも使われる。. A literal translation of "discount" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "割引"
学生証を見せると割引があります。
If you show your student ID, you'll get a discount.
Bilingual Context for "割り引く"
このクーポンを使えば、商品を20%割り引くことができます。
If you use this coupon, you can get a 20% discount on the product.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "学生証を見せると ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "If you show your student ID, you'll get a discount.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "割引" fits here because it means "discount" in the context of: "If you show your student ID, you'll get a discount.". "割り引く" represents "to discount, to deduct, to make a reduction".