Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Price" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "price", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
値上
ねあげ (neage)
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 値上 and 値下.
In Japanese, 値上 (ねあげ (neage)) is typically associated with "price rise; price hike" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of raising prices. Often used with する as a verb.
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 "値上"
原材料の高騰により、商品の値上げを決定しました。
Due to rising raw material costs, we decided to hike the prices of our products.
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: "原材料の高騰により、商品の ＿＿＿ げを決定しました。" (Meaning: "Due to rising raw material costs, we decided to hike the prices of our products.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "値上" fits here because it means "price rise; price hike" in the context of: "Due to rising raw material costs, we decided to hike the prices of our products.". "値下" represents "price cut; price reduction".