Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Monthly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "monthly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
月給
げっきゅう (gekkyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
月賦
げっぷ (geppu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "monthly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 月給 and 月賦.
In Japanese, 月給 (げっきゅう (gekkyū)) is typically associated with "monthly salary" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for salary paid on a monthly basis. Generally refers to the gross amount before deductions..
On the other hand, 月賦 (げっぷ (geppu)) maps to "monthly installment, monthly payment" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Specific to payments made periodically, typically monthly, for a purchase or debt, often implying an installment plan.. A literal translation of "monthly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "月給"
彼は月給が高いので、生活に余裕がある。
Since his monthly salary is high, he has a comfortable life.
Bilingual Context for "月賦"
この車は月賦で買ったので、毎月支払いがある。
I bought this car on monthly installments, so I have a payment every month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ が高いので、生活に余裕がある。" (Meaning: "Since his monthly salary is high, he has a comfortable life.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "月給" fits here because it means "monthly salary" in the context of: "Since his monthly salary is high, he has a comfortable life.". "月賦" represents "monthly installment, monthly payment".