Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Expenses" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "expenses", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
経費
けいひ (keihi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜費
〜ひ (〜hi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "expenses" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 経費 and 〜費.
In Japanese, 経費 (けいひ (keihi)) is typically associated with "expenses, costs" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers specifically to business or work-related expenditures. For personal expenses, '出費.
On the other hand, 〜費 (〜ひ (〜hi)) maps to "expenses; cost" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A suffix meaning 'expenses' or 'cost', often used for broader categories of regular or planned outlays, suggesting a budget or general category of spending. A literal translation of "expenses" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "経費"
出張の経費を精算する。
To settle travel expenses.
Bilingual Context for "〜費"
今月の食費は少し使いすぎました。
I spent a little too much on food expenses this month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "出張の ＿＿＿ を精算する。" (Meaning: "To settle travel expenses.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "経費" fits here because it means "expenses, costs" in the context of: "To settle travel expenses.". "〜費" represents "expenses; cost".