Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Price" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "price", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
値上がり
ねあがり (neagari)
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 値上がり and 値下.
In Japanese, 値上がり (ねあがり (neagari)) is typically associated with "price increase, rise in price" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers specifically to an increase in price. Can be a noun.
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 "値上がり"
最近、ガソリンの値段が大幅に値上がりした。
Recently, gasoline prices have increased significantly.
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: "最近、ガソリンの値段が大幅に ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "Recently, gasoline prices have increased significantly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "値上がり" fits here because it means "price increase, rise in price" in the context of: "Recently, gasoline prices have increased significantly.". "値下" represents "price cut; price reduction".