Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Price" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "price", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
代金
だいきん (daikin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
値下
ねさげ (nesage)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "price" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 代金 and 値下.
In Japanese, 代金 (だいきん (daikin)) is typically associated with "price, charge, cost, payment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the money paid for goods or services. Similar to 料金.
On the other hand, 値下 (ねさげ (nesage)) maps to "price cut; price reduction" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of lowering prices. Often used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "price" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "代金"
商品の代金はいくらですか。
How much is the payment for the product?
Bilingual Context for "値下"
売れ残った服を値下げして販売しました。
We sold the leftover clothes at a reduced price.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "商品の ＿＿＿ はいくらですか。" (Meaning: "How much is the payment for the product?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "代金" fits here because it means "price, charge, cost, payment" in the context of: "How much is the payment for the product?". "値下" represents "price cut; price reduction".